Senior Spacecraft Structural Analyst

Rocket Lab USA; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 132,200 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Cash incentives

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst I/II to join our Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA. You will perform structural analysis of spacecraft components, build analytical models, and validate designs for spaceflight, working with cross-functional engineers across programs.

The role requires a BS in engineering, 5+ years of structural analysis experience, and the ability to obtain a US government security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical structural analysis
• Superior computer skills and experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Femap/NASTRAN, etc.)
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis of spacecraft components and assemblies using analytical methods and FEA tools
• Develop and validate analytical models to predict structural behavior under integration, test, launch, and operational conditions
• Evaluate static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue loads to ensure design requirements and safety margins
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for weight, manufacturability, and performance
• Support the development of test plans and interpret structural test data to correlate and validate analysis models
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate analysis results
• Participate in design reviews and provide structural engineering input throughout the product development lifecycle
• Stay current with industry standards, materials, and analysis techniques
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analysis processes, tools, and best practices
• Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab
• Communicate effectively with supervisor, management, customers and teams across disciplines
• Significantly contribute to program and customer meetings and reviews
• Support travel as required, including working off-site

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA tools

Analytical modeling

Technical documentation

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline

Tools

ANSYS

Femap/NASTRAN

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst I/II to join our Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA. You will perform structural analysis of spacecraft components, build analytical models, and validate designs for spaceflight, working with cross-functional engineers across programs.

The role requires a BS in engineering, 5+ years of structural analysis experience, and the ability to obtain a US government security clearance.