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Rocket Lab is seeking a Structural Analyst II or Senior Structural Analyst I to join the Neutron program team in Long Beach, CA. The Neutron team is responsible for developing Rocket Lab's new large-lift launch vehicle, including rocket structures, engines, and launch/test infrastructure.
In this role, you will perform multiphysics structural analysis supporting the propulsion and vehicle design teams. Key responsibilities include:
- Develop analytical finite element models at system, subassembly, and component levels
- Conduct thermal, structural, vibration, fatigue, and fracture analyses using commercial FEA software
- Collaborate with design engineers to optimize hardware designs against vehicle requirements
- Document all analyses thoroughly, including methodology, inputs, and results for design reviews and qualification
- Support hardware and engine testing by reviewing test data and providing analysis-based recommendations
- Establish standard analysis practices and hand-calculation methods to accelerate development
- Guide the engineering team on analysis priorities and delivery schedules as the program evolves
For Structural Analyst II: Bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering with 2+ years of aerospace hardware analysis experience. You'll have strong fundamentals in thermal, structural, vibration, and life assessment analysis; material failure theories; and FEA software proficiency. Experience instrumenting hardware with strain gauges, thermocouples, and accelerometers is required. Programming proficiency in Python, Matlab, VBA, or C++ is needed.
For Senior Structural Analyst I: Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of aerospace analysis experience, demonstrating mastery (not just competency) in the same technical areas. Prior hands-on experience with hardware instrumentation and test data correlation is expected.
Nice-to-have qualifications include a graduate degree, proficiency in ANSYS Workbench and NASGRO, familiarity with NASA liquid engine qualification standards (5012, 5019), experience analyzing rocket engine combustion devices and turbopump components, failure investigation support, and additive manufacturing analysis experience.
