Senior Dynamics Engineer

Segment (Twilio); Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Senior Dynamics Engineer to contribute to analysis, design validation and future improvements. You will predict loads, define environments for vehicle components, support testing campaigns, and specify instrumentation on the launcher.

You'll perform dynamic simulations, define test requirements, and conduct static and dynamic structural analyses with FE methods. Mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across teams are integral to the role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years industry experience in Aerospace/related fields.
• Physics-based approach to problem solving is essential.
• Demonstrated experience with vibration testing.
• Demonstrated sensor selection & data post-processing experience (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples).
• Experience with static & dynamic structural test methods, including modal characterization and shock testing.
• Engineering programming experience, especially Python.
• Experience with FE modelling/analysis using standard packages (Femap/NX Nastran/Abaqus/Hyperworks).
• Comfort working under changing deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic test data and determine environments.
• Perform dynamic simulations (modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, transient).
• Define test requirements and support testing of vehicle subsystems.
• Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of launch vehicle structures (FEA, material trade-offs, mass optimization).
• Help implement new theories and tools within the team and establish best practices.
• Conduct peer reviews of analyses.
• Mentor junior engineers as required.

Skills

Python

Vibration testing

Sensor data analysis

Structural testing

FEA knowledge

Communication

Problem solving (physics-based)

Tools

Femap/NX

Nastran (Simcenter/NX Nastran)

Abaqus

OptiStruct/Hyperworks

Teamcenter

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 to 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. The 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 ENGINEER

As a Senior Dynamics Engineer, you will contribute to its analysis, design validation, and future improvements. Day to day, you will be expected to predict and define loads and environments across vehicle for different components, support testing and qualification campaigns, specify and review instrumentations (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples) location on the vehicle. Scope of work extends to performing detailed simulations, physics‑based analysis and establishing technical methodology.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, including sensor selection, data acquisition and validation, environment determination (Random Vibration, Shock, Quasi-Static, Acoustic, Pressure, Thermal)
• Perform dynamic simulations, including modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, transient
• Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems
• Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including finite element model verification and validation, material selection performance of trade‑off studies, mass optimization
• Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in dynamics and load derivation
• Conduct peer reviews of analyses
• Mentor more junior engineers as required

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• A keen physics‑based approach to problem solving
• Demonstrated experience with vibration and shock testing
• 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, acoustic, random vibration, sine burst, force notching, shock fixture evaluation
• Expertise 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
• Comfort working independently and in a team
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals

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

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.

LOCATION & REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

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.

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 ITAR Regulations.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION

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.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

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.