Senior Vibration & Dynamics Analyst

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand seeks a Senior Dynamics Analyst to drive analysis, design validation, and improvements for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will predict loads, support testing, and specify instrumentation, contributing to simulations and methodologies across the engineering team.

You will work in a small, high-performing group focused on learning and growth, with responsibilities spanning concept through integration and launch. This is an on-site role in Auckland.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a similar field.
• 5+ years industry experience in aerospace, automotive, or marine industries.
• A keen physics-based approach to problem solving.
• Demonstrated experience with sensor selection and data post-processing (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples).
• 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 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 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.

Skills

Dynamics analysis

Industry experience

Physics-based approach

Sensor selection

Sensor data post-processing

Structural testing

Modal characterization

Acoustics

Random vibration

Shock

Python

FEA tools

Adaptability

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Femap/NX Nastran

Simcenter/NX Nastran

Abaqus

Optistruct/Hyperworks

NX CAD

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand seeks a Senior Dynamics Analyst to drive analysis, design validation, and improvements for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will predict loads, support testing, and specify instrumentation, contributing to simulations and methodologies across the engineering team.

You will work in a small, high-performing group focused on learning and growth, with responsibilities spanning concept through integration and launch. This is an on-site role in Auckland.