Senior Dynamics Engineer

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 e...

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...

As a Senior Dynamics Engineer, you will contribute to its analysis, design validation, and future improvements. Day to day, you will be expected to predict and define loads and environments across vehicle for different components, support testing and qualification campaigns, specify and reviews instrumentations (acc...

 
Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, including:
Sensor selection
Data acquisition and validation
Environment determination (Random Vibration, Shock, Quasi-Static, Acoustic, Pressure, Thermal)
Perform dynamic simulations, including:
Modal
Acoustic
Random vibration
Sine harmonic
Transient
Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems. 
Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including:
Finite element model verification and validation
Material selection
Performance of trade-off studies
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
Mentor more junior engineers as required

7+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
Demonstrated Experience with vibration and shock testing
Demonstrated Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples etc.)
Demonstrated Experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
Modal Characterization
Acoustic
Random vibration
Sine burst
Force notching
Shock
Fixture evaluation
Expertise with engineering programming and data analysis, especially in Python
Experience with finite element modelling and analysis with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus,Optistruct/HyperworksComfort 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
Expertise in vibroacoustic modelling
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining, and additive manufacturing
Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter
 
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.   

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO