Lead Structural Engineer - Hypersonic Airframe

Rocket Lab; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is hiring a Lead Structural Engineer for hypersonic vehicle design. The role involves leading structural analysis, architecture, and integration while ensuring airframes withstand extreme conditions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in aerospace engineering and a passion for innovative design in high-speed vehicles.

Benefits

Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)

Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability

Equity Grants in the Company

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in structural design and analysis for high-speed vehicles.
• Expertise in composite structures and advanced materials.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural design of a hypersonic airframe.
• Conduct detailed structural analysis including stress and thermal loading.
• Drive integration of composites and metals for optimal performance.

Skills

Composite structures

Structural analysis

Cross-disciplinary leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)

Job description

Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems.

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

Ursa Major is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer – Hypersonic Airframe to lead the design, analysis, and integration of the primary and secondary structure for a cutting-edge hypersonic vehicle. This individual will be responsible for structural architecture, material selection, and ensuring the airframe meets extreme aerodynamic and thermal loads. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in high-speed vehicle structures, composites, and thermal protection systems, as well as experience in full lifecycle development from concept through flight testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the structural design and development of a hypersonic airframe, including primary and secondary load-bearing structures.
• Define airframe architecture, load paths, and materials to withstand high-speed flight environments.
• Conduct detailed structural analysis, including stress, thermal, vibration, and impact loading.
• Drive integration of composites, metals, and thermal protection systems for optimal vehicle performance.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, and guidance teams to ensure seamless vehicle integration.
• Develop and oversee structural test campaigns, including static, dynamic, and flight tests.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the structures and airframe team.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and production readiness.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in structural design and analysis for high-speed vehicles, aerospace platforms, or launch systems.
• Expertise in composite structures, metallic airframes, and advanced materials.
• Proficiency in FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN for structural analysis.
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) for structural design.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques, including composites layup, machining, and additive manufacturing.
• Ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and drive technical decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hypersonic vehicles, reentry systems, or high-Mach flight platforms.
• Knowledge of thermal protection systems and integrated aerothermal-structural design.
• Familiarity with government hypersonic programs and defense customers.
• Hands-on experience with flight testing and structural validation.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $130,000- $170,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

Benefits Include:

• Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
• Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
• Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
• Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
• EAP Program
• Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
• Equity Grants in the Company

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.

We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

No outside recruiters, please.