Structural Analyst II / Senior Structural Analyst I

About The Role

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 to 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. 

STRUCTURAL ANALYST II / SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYSTI 

The Structural Analyst position is based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The candidate will support a high performing team of propulsion engineers with a broad range of expertise covering rocket engine combustion devices, turbomachinery, and other hardware. You will support the Neutron program and Propulsion department with solutions to tough technical problems and drive the vehicle design using analytical methods.  

Please note: this position can be hired at the Structural Analyst II or Senior Structural Analyst I level.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Create system, subassemblies, and individual parts analytical models. 
• Perform multiphysics structural, thermal, vibration, fatigue, and fracture analyses. 
• Collaborate with the design team to finalize hardware designs to meet vehicle requirements.  
• Generate and maintain clear documentation of all performed analyses, including inputs, methods, and results to ensure proper communication during hardware reviews and qualification. 
• Support stage, engine and sub-system testing through data review and provide recommendations based on data and analysis.  
• Develop standard practices for structural analysis and common hand calculations to expedite hardware development. 
• Provide continued direction to the engineering team on highest value analysis and results deliverable schedule as the program evolves.  

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS STRUCTURAL ANALYST II: 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of experience performing thermal, structural and vibration analysis for aerospace hardware. 
• Strong foundation in thermal, structural, vibration and life assessment analysis best practices. 
• Strong foundation in ductile and brittle material failure theories. 
• Familiarity with instrumenting hardware using strain gauges, thermocouples, and accelerometers to anchor FEM results.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis using commercially available software packages.
• Proficiency using one or more of the following programming languages: Python, Matlab, VBA, and/or C++  

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYST I:     

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience performing thermal, structural and vibration analysis for aerospace hardware. 
• Mastery in thermal, structural, vibration and life assessment analysis best practices. 
• Mastery in ductile and brittle material failure theories. 
• Prior experience instrumenting hardware using strain gauges, thermocouples, and accelerometers to anchor FEM results. 
• Proficiency in finite element analysis using commercially available software packages.
• Proficiency using one or more of the following programming languages: Python, Matlab, VBA, and/or C++  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Graduate degree with 3+ years of experience.
• Proficiency using ANSYS Workbench and NASGRO. 
• Familiarity with liquid engine qualification and certification using NASA-STDs 5012, 5019 
• Prior experience analyzing rocket engine combustion devices and turbo pump components. 
• Experience with supporting failure investigations 
• Experience with additively manufactured materials, part design and analysis 
• Experience working in a fast-paced development program  

 This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$115,200—$172,800 USD

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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.