Structural Analyst II/ Senior Structural Analyst I – Mission Formulation

Space Talent; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Structural Analyst to join their innovative team in Long Beach, CA. In this dynamic role, you will engage in high-performance launch vehicle systems development, collaborating closely with engineering teams to bring groundbreaking mission concepts to life. You will perform critical analyses, validate designs, and contribute to the formulation of classified missions. This position offers unparalleled opportunities for hands-on hardware development and the chance to see your designs reach space. If you are passionate about aerospace and eager to make a significant impact, this role is for you.

Benefits

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks paid vacation

5 days sick leave per year

11 paid holidays per year

Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts

Paid parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in structural, vibration, and thermal analysis for aerospace hardware.
• Experience with finite element analysis and engineering programming.

Responsibilities

• Perform multiphysics structural, thermal, and vibration analyses.
• Collaborate with design teams to finalize hardware designs.

Skills

Structural Analysis

Thermal Analysis

Vibration Analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Python Programming

MATLAB

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Structural Analyst II/ Senior Structural Analyst I – Mission Formulation

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Structural Analyst II/ Senior Structural Analyst I - Mission Formulation is responsible for developing high-performance launch vehicle systems in support of the Launch Systems Business Development and Strategy team.

The Structural Analyst II/ Senior Structural Analyst I is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles and play a key role in developing future missions for Electron and Neutron. Given the high launch cadence of Electron and pace of Neutron development, you will have unparalleled opportunities for end-to-end hardware development and seeing your designs reach space.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Structural Analyst II or Senior Structural Analyst level)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Perform Multiphysics structural, thermal, vibration, fatigue, and fracture analyses.
• Create system, subassemblies, and individual parts analytical models.
• Collaborate with the design team and stakeholders to finalize hardware designs to meet vehicle requirements.
• Define and execute structural testing as needed to validate designs and performance vs. requirements.
• Analyze test and flight data to correlate models and improve model fidelity.
• Document analyses and designs including inputs, methods, and results as needed for presentation at design and test reviews and for hardware implementation.
• Generate and maintain clear documentation of all performed analyses, including inputs, methods, and results to ensure proper communication during hardware reviews and qualification.
• Develop standard practices for structural analysis and common hand calculations to expedite hardware development.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS STRUCTURAL ANALYST II:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience performing structural, vibration and thermal analysis for aerospace hardware.
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA).
• Experience with analysis and sizing of structures to meet requirements such as quasi-static loading, acoustic, vibration, and shock conditions.
• Experience with engineering programming such as scripting, and data analyses in Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYST I:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience performing structural, vibration and thermal analysis for aerospace hardware.
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA).
• Experience with analysis and sizing of structures to meet requirements such as quasi-static loading, acoustic, vibration, and shock conditions.
• Experience with engineering programming such as scripting, and data analyses in Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience with development of aerospace vehicle loads.
• Strong foundation with structural, vibration, thermal, and life assessment analysis best practices.
• Strong foundation on ductile and brittle material failure theories.
• Prior experience instrumenting hardware using strain gauges, thermocouples, and accelerometers to anchor FEM results.
• Experience with Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA) including building, validation, and coupling of models and conduct of analyses to evaluate a range of flight conditions.
• Experience with kinematic analyses of multibody separation dynamics including consideration of separation attitude and rates and recontact/collision avoidance.
• Familiarity with structural engineering analysis tools including NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus.
• Knowledge of key aspects of launch and on-orbit operations as they relate to aerospace vehicle structural modeling and analyses.
• Experience instrumenting hardware using strain gauges, thermocouples, and accelerometers to collect data to anchor analytical results.
• Familiarity with liquid engine qualification and certification using NASA-STDs 5012.
• Experience with supporting failure investigations.
• Proficient using ANSYS Workbench and NASGRO.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only) $75,000 — $145,000 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.