Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II - TS/SCI Clearance

Telemetry Today LLC; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, HDHP

401(k) with company match

Stock ownership in total compensation

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II with TS/SCI clearance to lead loads definitions, analyses, and test validation for space systems. Based at our Long Beach, CA headquarters, you will guide design and test teams, perform complex simulations, and support vehicle performance through test data and model verification.

You will collaborate with the Space Systems organization and report to the Vehicle Design Director. Eligible candidates must be a U.S.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required for role.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
• 8+ years of aerospace engineering experience.
• Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Define, process, and interpret ground test and flight data including sensor selection and data validation.
• Perform structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures with FEA verification.
• Conduct structural and dynamic simulations (static, modal, random vibration, buckling, thermoelastic).
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and verify margins.
• Define test requirements and support testing of vehicle subsystems and components.
• Lead technical projects within analysis and across teams.
• Help implement new theory and tools and establish best practices.

Skills

Active TS/SCI clearance

U.S. citizenship

Aerospace engineering experience

Spacecraft structural analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering

Tools

NX Nastran

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER II – TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer IIcontributes to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of our suite of Space Systems and Space Components. You will be expected to define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analysis, guide design, and help validate analysis, design, and system performance through test. You will support the Vehicle Design Director and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including: sensor selection, data acquisition and validation, and environmental determination (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal)
• Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including: finite element model verification and validation, material selection, performance of trade-off studies, and mass optimization
• Perform structural and dynamic simulations, including: static, modal, random vibration, buckling, and thermoelastic
• Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate through design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive structural margins
• Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems and components
• Lead technical projects and programs, as required, both within analysis and across disciplines and teams
• Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in areas of technical expertise

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industryExperience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages
• Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• Experience in full satellite system development cycles, from concept to launch
• Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
• Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects)
• Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit at desk andoperatecomputer,keyboardand office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$141,800 — $212,600 USD

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.