About the Job
While other companies talk about it, we do it!
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 N...
Rocket Lab seeks a Senior Structural Analyst to build Neutron: Rocket Lab’s medium lift, reusable launch.
Key Responsibilities
Support the analysis of primary and secondary structures, including composites and metallic components, and integrated structural assemblies
Build, run, and post-process FE models to calculate design responses and margins to static, dynamic, and thermal loads
Collaborate with design engineers to develop concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes
Work alongside test engineers to define test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process test data against analytical predictions
Develop and document structural analysis methods
Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace
Technically assist junior engineers.
Required Skills & Abilities
A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field
5+ years’ experience performing structural analysis in high performance applications
Strong understanding of composites engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, classical lamination theory, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)
Demonstrated expertise with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: NASTRAN (FEMAP), ANSYS, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks etc.
Experience with structural testing of composite components or assemblies
Familiarity supporting composite manufacture and prototyping
The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment
Experience with defect and damage tolerance assessment of composite structures including the disposition of hardware non-conformances
Experience in linear and non-linear buckling
Experience in composite joint design
Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation of static & dynamic structural test (load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, LVDT’s etc.)
Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA, or similar with a focus on model defeaturing for subsequent analysis
Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
Hands-on composites manufacturing experience
