Spacecraft Structural Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 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 Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I/II

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I contributes to the analysis design validation and future improvements of our suite of Space Systems and Space Components. You will be expected to define loads and environments perform detailed simulations and physics-based analysis guide design and help validate analysis design and system performance through test. You will support the Vehicle Design Director and Space Systems organization with deliverables required for internal leadership board of directors and investors.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• 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

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Structural analysis experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience using NX Nastran NX CAD and Teamcenter packages

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• 2 years of structural analysis experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience using NX Nastran NX CAD and Teamcenter packages

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
• Active security clearance
• Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers strain gauges 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
• Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design execution data processing and validation

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.

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 worlds fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of addition to competitive base pay youll 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.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$89350 - $125325 USD

Base Salary

$82400 - $113300 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 This 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.

Required Experience:

IC