About the Job
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...
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...
Key Responsibilities
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.
Required Skills & Abilities
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
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
