Structural Analyst II/ Senior Structural Analyst I – Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab; 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 dynamic team in Long Beach. This role involves performing critical analyses for aerospace hardware, including structural, thermal, and vibration assessments. You will collaborate closely with design teams to ensure the integrity and performance of innovative launch vehicle systems. With a focus on high-performance engineering, you will have the opportunity to contribute to exciting projects that push the boundaries of space exploration. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering and eager to make a significant impact, this position offers a unique chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in structural 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

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Structural Analysis

Thermal Analysis

Vibration Analysis

Python Programming

MATLAB

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Abaqus

Job description

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 plays 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.

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.

Important Information

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.

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.