Senior Dynamics Analyst - Space Launch Vibroacoustics

Rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking a Senior Dynamics Analyst to design, validate, and improve the Neutron launch vehicle dynamics disciplines. You will predict loads, define sensor placements, and support testing and data analysis across avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion teams.

Ideal candidates have a physics-based approach, strong experience with FEA and data post-processing, and a track record in dynamic structural testing.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform prediction of launch vehicle vibration environments based on finite element analysis and analytical methods.
• Contribute to test plan definitions, 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 numerical predictions.
• Work closely with avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion teams to determine mounting strategies for components.
• Collect documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components.

Skills

Physics-based problem solving

Python

Data analysis

Sensor selection

Vibration testing

Engineering judgment

Aerospace knowledge

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Femap/NX Nastran

Simcenter/NX Nastran

Abaqus

Optistruct/Hyperworks

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking a Senior Dynamics Analyst to design, validate, and improve the Neutron launch vehicle dynamics disciplines. You will predict loads, define sensor placements, and support testing and data analysis across avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion teams.

Ideal candidates have a physics-based approach, strong experience with FEA and data post-processing, and a track record in dynamic structural testing.