Structural Analyst I

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.

STRUCTURAL ANALYST I

As a Senior Structural Analyst in Rocket Lab's Analysis team you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of Rocket Lab's suite of Launch Vehicles, Space Systems, and Space Components. This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand. Join a driven team that's tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Analyze and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, including sensor selection, data validation, and environmental factors (vibration, shock, acoustic, thermal).
• Perform and document structural analyses of launch vehicle structures, including finite element model validation, material selection, trade-off studies, and mass optimization.
• Conduct structural and dynamic simulations (static, modal, vibration, buckling, thermal) and collaborate with design/test engineers to refine designs and ensure structural margins.
• Define test requirements, support subsystem/component testing, and lead technical projects across teams and disciplines.
• Implement new tools, establish best practices, and coach team members in technical expertise and system navigation.
• Consistently identify optimal solutions to engineering challenges and set standards of excellence for the team.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
• 1-3 years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
• Expert knowledge of structural mechanics
• Demonstrated expertise with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks
• Experience using NX CAD and/or Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry standard packages) with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analyses
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining, and additive manufacturing
• Experience with accurate prediction of component life and structural margins, including:
  • Ductile metal failure
  • Fatigue
  • Fracture
• Expertise in vibroacoustic modelling and analysis
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples etc.)
• Experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
  • Modal correlation
  • Random vibration
  • Sine burst
  • Equivalent sine input
  • Force notching
  • Shock
  • Fixture evaluation
• Expertise with engineering programming, especially in Python
• Demonstrated experience with project and programme management, including setting and meeting requirements, establishing and keeping schedule, interfacing across teams and disciplines, leading reviews, and communicating to executives and customers
• Comfort executing to changing deadlines within a high-pressure environment
• Comfort working independently and in a team
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects)
• Experience in linear and non-linear buckling (particularly shell buckling)
• Experience with acoustic analysis and testing
• Experience with propellant dynamics modelling techniques & mitigation strategies (slosh, pogo)
• Experience with coupled loads analyses
• Familiarity with non-linear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g. MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001)