Senior Structural Analyst – Space Payloads & Flight Hardware

Rocket Lab USA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Senior Structural Analyst I/II to support the Optical Systems payload programs. You will perform structural analyses, develop analytical models, and help ensure designs meet weight, safety, and performance targets across development phases.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers and test teams within Space Systems. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in engineering and have 5+ to 8+ years in mechanical structural analysis, with strong FEA skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical structural analysis.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Femap/NASTRAN) and related software.
• Ability to write clear, 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 operation.
• Evaluate loads to ensure safety margins and design compliance.
• Collaborate with design engineers to optimize structures for weight, manufacturability, and performance.
• Support test plans and interpret structural test data to validate models.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations communicating results and recommendations.
• Participate in design reviews and provide structural input across the lifecycle.

Skills

Mechanical analysis

FEA tools

Technical documentation

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Femap/NASTRAN

Job description

Rocket Lab USA in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Senior Structural Analyst I/II to support the Optical Systems payload programs. You will perform structural analyses, develop analytical models, and help ensure designs meet weight, safety, and performance targets across development phases.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers and test teams within Space Systems. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in engineering and have 5+ to 8+ years in mechanical structural analysis, with strong FEA skills