Senior Structural Analyst

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise focused on designing and building rockets, spacecraft, and pivotal subsystems that connect and protect the world, as well as extend humanity's presence to lunar and Martian frontiers. The company emphasizes rapid development, manufacturing tangible hardware for significant missions, and consistently making challenging objectives achievable.

Joining the Neutron team offers a unique chance to contribute to the creation of Rocket Lab's new large rocket, Neutron, responsible for its structures, components, engines, and launch infrastructure across the U.S.

Role Summary

As a Senior Structural Analyst within the Neutron project, you will be involved from initial concept development through to final implementation of both primary and secondary structural components for the reusable Neutron launch vehicle. This position is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis on composite and metallic primary and secondary structures including integrated assemblies.
• Create, execute, and interpret finite element (FE) models to assess design responses and safety margins under static, dynamic, and thermal loading.
• Collaborate closely with design and manufacturing engineers to devise structural concepts, select appropriate materials, and establish feasible production processes.
• Partner with test engineers to develop testing strategies, oversee test operations, and evaluate test outcomes against analytical predictions.
• Formulate and maintain documentation outlining structural analysis methods.
• Identify and resolve complex technical issues promptly to keep project phases progressing smoothly.
• Provide mentorship and technical support to junior engineering staff.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines.
• A minimum of five years experience performing structural analysis in demanding, high-performance environments.
• Thorough knowledge of composite engineering principles including mechanics of materials, lamination theory, material property profiling, design strategies, analytical approaches, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in one or more widely utilized structural finite element analysis software tools such as NASTRAN (FEMAP), ANSYS, Abaqus, or Optistruct/Hyperworks.
• Experience with structural testing specifically on composite components or assemblies.
• Well-versed in supporting composite fabrication and prototype development.
• Capacity to deliver work under tight deadlines within fast-paced, high-pressure settings.

Preferred but Not Mandatory Skills

• Knowledge of defect and damage tolerance evaluations for composites and handling hardware non-conformances.
• Expertise in both linear and nonlinear buckling behaviors.
• Experience designing composite joints.
• Competence with sensor choice and data analysis for static and dynamic structural tests using devices such as load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, and LVDTs.
• Familiarity with CAD platforms like NX (preferred), Fibersim, Solidworks, or CATIA with emphasis on preparing models for analysis.
• Experience working with Product Lifecycle Management systems including Teamcenter (preferred) or Windchill.
• Hands-on experience in composite manufacturing.

Additional Information

The company culture embodies a mission to harness space technology to enhance life on Earth, demanding innovation, teamwork, and resilience. Rocket Lab values collaboration, humility, and a results-oriented mindset thriving under rigorous deadlines. Employment is subject to background checks and eligibility concerning international space technology export regulations by the US Government, particularly ITAR compliance. Applicants for US offices must have appropriate citizenship or legal status or approval for handling regulated material. For New Zealand positions, citizenship or nationality checks ensure eligibility per applicable international regulations, emphasizing candidates from specific countries.