Senior Dynamics Engineer

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

SENIOR DYNAMICS ENGINEER

As a Senior Dynamics Engineer, you'll take ownership of critical technical challenges, correctly assess and mitigate risks before they happen, and continuously deliver results that exceed initial goals. You'll help set the standard of excellence for the team while contributing to humanity's access to space through reusable launch technology.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Predict and define vibration environments across the vehicle using finite element analysis and analytical methods
• Perform sophisticated dynamic simulations including modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, and transient analyses
• Specify and review instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.) locations on the vehicle to monitor in-flight environments
• Define test requirements and directly support testing and qualification campaigns for vehicle subsystems
• Process and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, validating correlation with numerical predictions
• Collaborate closely with avionics, design, and propulsion teams to determine optimal mounting strategies for different components
• Validate and document structural analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including FEM verification, material selection, and mass optimization
• Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in dynamics and load derivation
• Conduct peer reviews of analyses and mentor junior engineers
• Maintain documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar field
• 7+ years of industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• Strong physics-based approach to problem solving with the ability to identify optimal solutions to complex engineering challenges
• Demonstrated experience with vibration and shock testing including test planning, execution, and post-processing
• Proven expertise in sensor selection and data interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
  • Modal characterization
  • Acoustic testing
  • Random vibration
  • Sine burst
  • Force notching
  • Shock testing
  • Fixture evaluation
• Proficiency with engineering programming and data analysis, especially in Python
• Experience with finite element modeling and analysis using industry-standard FEA packages (Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks)
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment with changing deadlines and competing priorities
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships across engineering disciplines
• Positive, proactive attitude with a "How can I help?" mentality-no task is beneath you
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Expertise in vibroacoustic modeling
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining and additive manufacturing
• Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry-standard tools)
• Previous experience in the space launch industry
• Background in mentoring and developing junior engineers