Senior Structural Analyst I

Senior Structural Analyst I

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

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, 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.

Qualifications You'll Bring As Senior Structural Analyst I:

• 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++.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• 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