Structural Analysis Engineer II​/Senior

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 Structural Analysis Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will analyze aerospace structures and mechanisms in support of product design, test and improvements. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms; their products include separation systems, on‑orbit devices, and other electro‑mechanical deployables. Rocket Lab’s commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard‑working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge and have each other’s backs.

• Collaborate with design engineers to validate product designs and improvements via detailed structural analysis, with tools such as FEA, of intricate assemblies and mechanisms
• Create test‑correlated detailed and simplified FEMs of aerospace mechanisms
• Develop product environmental test requirements, including vibration, shock and strength, tailored around industry standards such as SMC‑S‑016 and NASA GEVS
• Make technical recommendations based on engineering judgment and interpretation of analysis results
• Mentor and train other engineers
• Develop and validate product finite element models and their supporting documentation for internal and external use
• Support anomaly and failure analysis of space vehicles and mechanisms

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PLEASE NOTE:

THIS ROLE CAN BE HIRED AT THE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER II OR SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I LEVEL.)

• Bachelor of Science in relevant engineering field
• 2+ years finite element analysis experience
• Experience analyzing metallic assemblies

• Bachelor of Science in relevant engineering field
• 5+ years finite element analysis experience including static, dynamic and non‑linear
• Proficiency analyzing complex assemblies
• Strong familiarity with aerospace industry structural analysis standards
• Demonstrated ability to mentor other engineers

• MS in relevant engineering field
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills
• Proficiency with Simcenter Nastran and Femap software
• Experience…