Senior Dynamics Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company dedicated to building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems vital for global connectivity, protection, and humanity's expansion to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. They rapidly develop tangible hardware for impactful missions and strive to make extraordinary achievements routine.

About Neutron Program

The Neutron team at Rocket Lab focuses on developing the new large Neutron rocket and its associated launch and testing sites. Efforts range from designing and evaluating Neutron's structures and components, operating its Archimedes engines, to establishing launch pads and test facilities in the United States. Joining this team offers a unique opportunity to contribute to launching a new heavy-lift rocket for the first time.

Role Overview

The Senior Dynamics Engineer will be responsible for managing key technical challenges, proactively identifying and mitigating risks, and consistently exceeding project goals. The role involves setting high standards for the team and supporting humanity's access to space through reusable launch vehicle technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimate and characterize vibration environments throughout the vehicle using finite element analysis and analytical approaches.
• Perform complex dynamic simulations including modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, and transient analyses.
• Determine and evaluate locations for instrumentation such as accelerometers, strain gauges, and thermocouples on the vehicle to monitor in-flight conditions.
• Define testing requirements and actively support vehicle subsystem testing and qualification campaigns.
• Analyze and interpret static and dynamic ground and flight test data, ensuring consistency with numerical models.
• Work closely with avionics, design, and propulsion teams to identify optimal component mounting methods.
• Validate structural analyses for primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including finite element model verification, material selection, and optimization of mass.
• Introduce new theories and tools, establish best practices in dynamics, and guide load derivation processes.
• Conduct peer reviews of engineering analyses and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Maintain detailed documentation of test environments and component qualification statuses.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5 to 7+ years of relevant experience in aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• Strong physics-driven problem-solving skills to determine optimal solutions for complex engineering problems.
• Demonstrated expertise in vibration and shock testing, including test planning, execution, and subsequent data processing.
• Proficiency in sensor selection and interpretation, including accelerometers, strain gauges, and thermocouples.
• Practical experience with structural test methodologies such as modal characterization, acoustic testing, random vibration, sine burst, force notching, shock testing, and fixture evaluation.
• Skilled in engineering programming and data analytics, particularly Python.
• Experience using industry-standard finite element analysis software such as Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, and Optistruct/Hyperworks.
• Ability to excel under pressure, managing evolving deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills with aptitude for building strong interdepartmental relationships.
• Positive and proactive mindset with willingness to contribute to all tasks regardless of size.
• Willingness to undertake domestic and international travel as necessary.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Specialized knowledge in vibroacoustic modeling.
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods, including traditional machining and additive manufacturing.
• Experience with NX CAD and Teamcenter or equivalent industry-standard software.
• Background in the space launch industry.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members.

Work Environment and Culture

The team embraces a mission-driven environment focused on unlocking space's potential to improve life on Earth. Success requires hard work, innovation, collaboration, resilience, and commitment to overcoming challenges. The culture prioritizes humility, mutual support, and readiness to tackle all tasks, thriving under pressure with deadlines and shifting priorities.

Additional Information and Compliance

U.S. Office Candidates: Employment is subject to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR). Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees/asylees, or obtain proper authorization from U.S. government departments. Reasonable accommodations for application or interview processes are available for candidates with disabilities.

New Zealand Office Candidates: Pre-employment background checks including nationality verification are required. Candidates must be eligible under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which limit eligibility based on citizenship among certain countries and alliances.

Equal Opportunity: Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunities, prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.