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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer to contribute to the analysis, design validation, and continuous improvement of their Space Systems and Space Components portfolio. Based in Long Beach, CA, you will define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analysis, guide design iterations, and validate performance through testing. Your work will support the Vehicle Design Director and broader Space Systems organization, with deliverables for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Key responsibilities include: defining, processing, and interpreting static and dynamic ground test and flight data (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, thermal); performing, validating, and documenting structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures using finite element modeling; conducting structural and dynamic simulations (static, modal, random vibration, buckling, thermoelastic); collaborating with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and demonstrate positive structural margins; defining test requirements and supporting subsystem/component testing; leading technical projects across disciplines; and implementing new theory, tools, and best practices.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline; active TS/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship; 5+ years aerospace industry experience; proficiency with NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter; experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation.
Desirable qualifications include: Master's or PhD in engineering; full satellite system development experience from concept to launch; additive manufacturing analysis; sensor selection and data post-processing; composite structural analysis; and nonlinear material simulation experience.
