Senior Structural Analyst — Space Payload & FEA

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Cash incentives

Employee stock purchase program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Parental leave

Other perks

Job summary

Rocket Lab, a leading space company, seeks a Senior Structural Analyst I/II to support the Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA. You will perform structural analyses, develop models, and evaluate loads to ensure designs meet requirements for highly demanding space applications.

Ideal candidates have a BS in engineering, 5+ years of structural analysis, and experience with ANSYS or similar FEA tools. Clear documentation and ability to obtain security clearance are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical structural analysis.
• Superior computer skills and experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Femap/NASTRAN).
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.

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, and launch.
• Evaluate loads to ensure safety margins and design requirements.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for weight and manufacturability.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate results.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA tools

Technical documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Femap/NASTRAN

Job description

Rocket Lab, a leading space company, seeks a Senior Structural Analyst I/II to support the Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA. You will perform structural analyses, develop models, and evaluate loads to ensure designs meet requirements for highly demanding space applications.

Ideal candidates have a BS in engineering, 5+ years of structural analysis, and experience with ANSYS or similar FEA tools. Clear documentation and ability to obtain security clearance are essential.