Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I - TS/SCI Clearance

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separati...

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Develop...

SENIOR SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I – TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including: sensor selection, data acquisition and validation, and environmental determination (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal)
Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including: finite element model verification and validation, material selection, performance of trade-off studies, and mass optimization
Perform structural and dynamic simulations, including: static, modal, random vibration, buckling, and thermoelastic
Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate through design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive structural margins
Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems and components
Lead technical projects and programs, as required, both within analysis and across disciplines and teams
Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in areas of technical expertise

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
Active TS/SCI clearance
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages
Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation
Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
Experience in full satellite system development cycles, from concept to launch
Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts
Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects)
Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints
Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas 
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO