Senior Dynamics Analyst – Neutron

Rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab's Neutron team in Auckland seeks a Senior Dynamics Analyst to help build and validate the Neutron launch vehicle through loads, environments, and instrumentation. You will predict vibration environments, support testing, and develop methodologies used across the engineering group.

The role requires a mechanical or aerospace degree, 5+ years' experience in relevant industries, solid Python data analysis skills, and hands-on experience with FEA tools such as Nastran or Abaqus.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years industry experience in Aerospace/Automotive/Marine.
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing.
• Experience with static and dynamic structural test methods (modal characterization, acoustics, random vibration, shock).
• Engineering programming and data analysis, especially Python.
• Experience with FEM packages: Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks.
• Ability to adapt to changing deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Predict launch vehicle vibration environments using FE analysis and analytical methods.
• Define test plan, support test activities, and post-process test results for dynamic testing (random vibration, acoustics, shock).
• Define suitable sensors (type and location) to monitor in-flight environments and post-process data to verify correlation with predictions.
• Collaborate with avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion teams to determine mounting strategies for components.
• Document test environments and qualification status for vehicle components.

Skills

Python programming

Physics-based problem solving

Sensor data post-processing

Problem solving under pressure

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Femap/NX Nastran

Simcenter/NX Nastran

Abaqus

Optistruct/Hyperworks

NX CAD

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

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.

SENIOR DYNAMICS ANALYST

Rocket Lab seeks a Senior Dynamics Analyst to build Neutron: Rocket Lab’s medium lift, reusable launch vehicle.

As a Senior Dynamics Analyst, you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of the Neutron launch vehicle. Day to day, you will be expected to predict and define loads and environments for different vehicle components, support testing and qualification campaigns, and specify vehicle instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc..). You will also perform detailed simulations, and establish technical methodologies used across the engineering team.

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Perform prediction of launch vehicle vibration environments based on finite element analysis and analytical methods
• Contribute the test plan definition, support test activities, and post process test results for dynamic testing (random vibration, acoustics, shock)
• Define suitable sensors (type and location) to monitor the in-flight environments and post process data to verify correlation with numerical predictions
• Working closely with avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion team members to determine suitable mounting strategies for vehicle and ground system components
• Collect documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a similar field
• 5+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
• Demonstrated Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples etc.)
• Demonstrated Experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
  • Modal Characterization
  • Acoustics
  • Random vibration
  • Shock
• Experience with engineering programming and data analysis, especially in Python
• Experience with finite element modelling and analysis with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks
• Comfort executing to changing deadlines within a high-pressure environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Expertise in vibroacoustic modelling
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining, and additive manufacturing
• Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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 status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here.