Structural Analyst II​/Senior Structural Analyst

Structural Analyst II / Senior Structural Analyst I

Long Beach, CA

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 space. The Space Systems business designs and builds a broad line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

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, turbo machinery, 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.

• 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.

• 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++

• 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++

• 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.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Salary:
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $100,000 - $145,000 USD.…