Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I​/II

Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I/II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I/II 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.

• 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, 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

• Bachelor's 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

• Bachelor's 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

• Master's 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

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas

Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Employees may receive company equity and a robust benefits package that includes top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 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 a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

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…