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Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division, based in Tucson, Arizona, is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst to support advanced space payload and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. This role offers the opportunity to contribute across all phases of technical programs, from design through development, build, and test of flight hardware for space-based optical systems.
In this position, you will perform structural analysis of spacecraft components and assemblies using analytical methods and finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS and Femap/NASTRAN. You will develop and validate analytical models to predict structural behavior under integration, test, launch, and operational conditions. Your work will include evaluating static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue loads to ensure compliance with design requirements and safety margins.
Key responsibilities include collaborating with design engineers to optimize structures for weight, manufacturability, and performance; supporting the development of test plans and interpreting structural test data to correlate and validate analysis models; and preparing technical reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate analysis results and recommendations. You will participate in design reviews, provide structural engineering input throughout the product development lifecycle, and stay current with industry standards, materials, and analysis techniques.
Additional duties involve contributing to continuous improvement of analysis processes and tools, using investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab, and communicating effectively with supervisors, project management, customers, and cross-disciplinary team members. Travel as required, including off-site work, is expected.
The role is available at two levels: Senior Structural Analyst I (5+ years of mechanical structural analysis experience) or Senior Structural Analyst II (8+ years). Both require a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline, superior computer skills with FEA tools, ability to write clear technical documentation, and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
