ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 STRUCTURAL ANALYST

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 Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field

• 7+ 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)

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.

This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

*For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. *

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.