Senior Dynamics Engineer: Space Systems Vibration & Loads Lead

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

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.