Senior Structural Analyst
Rocket Lab
About The Role
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.
Life at Rocket Lab
NEUTRON
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team and pushing the boundaries of humanity with a clean sheet, reusable launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYST
The Senior 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.
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.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience performing thermal, structural and vibration analysis for aerospace hardware.
- Strong foundation with thermal, structural, vibration and life assessment analysis best practices.
- Strong foundation on ductile and brittle material failure theories.
- Prior experience instrumenting hardware using strain gauges, thermocouples, and accelerometers to anchor FEM results.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Graduate degree with 6+ years experience
- Familiarity with liquid engine qualification and certification using NASA-STDs 5012
- Prior experience analyzing rocket engine combustion devices and turbo pump components.
- Experience with supporting failure investigations
- Proficient using ANSYS Workbench and NASGRO.
- Experience working in a fast-paced development program
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation package based on individual qualifications and experience, which may include cash or equity incentives. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.
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 Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.