Structural Analyst - Neutron

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company focused on designing and manufacturing rockets, spacecraft, and essential subsystems to maintain global connectivity and expand human presence beyond Earth, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The company emphasizes swift innovation, building tangible hardware for impactful space missions.

Role Overview

The Neutron team at Rocket Lab is dedicated to developing the new large Neutron rocket and its launch and test infrastructure. This includes designing and validating structural components and launching weaponry such as Archimedes engines, with operations spanning multiple U.S. sites. Joining this team offers the rare chance to contribute to the inaugural flight of a large reusable rocket.

Position: Structural Analyst

As a Structural Analyst within the Neutron program, you will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to create and verify both primary and secondary structures of the Neutron launch vehicle. You will be fully accountable for your design projects from initial conception through to completion. This position is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct structural analysis for both primary and secondary components, including composite and metallic materials, as well as integrated assemblies.
• Create, execute, and interpret finite element (FE) models to evaluate responses and safety margins under static, dynamic, and thermal stresses.
• Partner with design engineers to conceptualize solutions and with manufacturing engineers to select appropriate materials and establish feasible build processes.
• Coordinate with test engineers to develop testing protocols, oversee test execution, and compare test outcomes to analytical predictions.
• Establish and maintain thorough documentation of structural analysis methodologies.
• Identify and resolve engineering challenges proactively to maintain project momentum.
• Provide technical guidance and support to less experienced engineers.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of one year of experience performing structural analysis in demanding, high-performance engineering contexts.
• In-depth knowledge of composites engineering principles, including material mechanics, classical lamination theory, property characterization, design best practices, analysis techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with at least one industry-standard structural finite element analysis software such as NASTRAN (FEMAP), ANSYS, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks.
• Hands-on experience with structural testing of composite parts or assemblies.
• Understanding of composite manufacturing and prototyping workflows.
• Capability to perform effectively under tight deadlines in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Skills

• Experience assessing defects and damage tolerance in composite structures, including management of hardware non-conformities.
• Knowledge of both linear and nonlinear buckling phenomena.
• Expertise in designing composite joints.
• Familiarity with sensor selection and processing data from structural tests involving load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, and displacement sensors (LVDTs).
• Proficiency using CAD platforms such as NX (preferred), Fibersim, Solidworks, or CATIA, especially in model simplification for analysis.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management systems like Teamcenter (preferred) or Windchill.
• Practical experience in composites manufacturing.

Work Environment and Culture

Rocket Lab’s mission to revolutionize space access demands dedication, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a resolute mindset toward overcoming obstacles. Employees are expected to collaborate humbly, embrace challenges head-on, and consistently deliver results within tight schedules.

Additional Information - Compliance and Eligibility

For employment in the U.S., candidates must meet ITAR requirements, including citizenship or appropriate residency status, or have eligibility for U.S. government export authorizations.

In New Zealand, candidates must pass background and nationality checks. Eligibility to work requires citizenship of eligible countries such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU member states, NATO countries, or compliant dual citizenship. Details on ITAR regulations apply.

Rocket Lab is committed to equal opportunity employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected classes.