Senior Structural Analysis Engineer I​/II

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 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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 1,700 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 it’s 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.

As a Senior Structural Analysis Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will analyze aerospace structures and mechanisms in support of product design and improvements. You’ll create structural test requirements and evaluate test results, as well as create product finite element models for use by customers. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Senior Structural Analysis Engineer I or Senior Structural Analysis Engineer II level)

• Collaborate with design engineers to validate product designs and improvements via detailed structural analysis.
• Create test‑correlated structural and dynamic models of aerospace mechanisms.
• Help develop product vibration, shock and strength test requirements tailored around industry standards such as SMC‑S‑016 and NASA GEVS.
• Make technical recommendations based on engineering judgment and interpretation of analysis results.
• Perform normal modes analysis with classical hand calculations and finite element analysis.
• Mentor and train other engineers.
• Develop and validate product finite element models for internal and external use.
• Support anomaly and failure analysis of space vehicles, mechanisms and payloads.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of finite element analysis (FEA) experience
• Proficiency with Simcenter Nastran and Femap software
• Experience with vibration, shock or acoustic analysis
• Experience with aerospace industry structural analysis standards

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other engineering discipline (required qualification for P3)
• 8+ years of finite element analysis (FEA) experience
• Proficiency with Simcenter Nastran and Femap software
• Experience with vibration, shock or acoustic analysis
• Experience with aerospace industry structural analysis standards