Senior Dynamics Engineer – Aerospace Vibration & FEA

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Dynamics Engineer to lead analysis, validation, and future improvements for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will predict loads and environments, support testing campaigns, and specify instrumentation for monitoring and verification.

Ideal candidates have a physics-based problem solving approach, 5+ years in aerospace, and experience with FEAs and data post-processing. This is a hands-on role in a small, high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field.
• 5+ years industry experience in Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine sectors.
• Physics-based approach to problem solving.
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing.

Responsibilities

• Predict launch vehicle vibration environments via FEA and analytical methods.
• Define test plans, support tests, and post-process results for dynamic testing.
• Define sensors and monitor in-flight environments; verify correlation with predictions.
• Collaborate with avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion teams on mounting strategies.
• Document test environments and qualification status for vehicle components.

Skills

Finite element modelling

Python programming

Sensor selection & data post-process

Vibration testing & analysis

Physics-based problem solving

Education

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Femap/NX Nastran

Simcenter/NX Nastran

Abaqus

Optistruct/Hyperworks

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Dynamics Engineer to lead analysis, validation, and future improvements for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will predict loads and environments, support testing campaigns, and specify instrumentation for monitoring and verification.

Ideal candidates have a physics-based problem solving approach, 5+ years in aerospace, and experience with FEAs and data post-processing. This is a hands-on role in a small, high-performing team.