Senior Structural Analyst

NEUTRON 

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team and pushing the boundaries of humanity with a clean sheet, reusable launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! 

SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYST

The Senior Structural Analyst position is based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The candidate will support a high performing team of propulsion engineers with a broad range of expertise covering rocket engine combustion devices, turbomachinery, and other hardware. You will support the Neutron program and Propulsion department with solutions to tough technical problems and drive the vehicle design using analytical methods.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Create system, subassemblies, and individual parts analytical models.
• Perform multiphysics structural, thermal, vibration, fatigue, and fracture analyses.
• Collaborate with the design team to finalize hardware designs to meet vehicle requirements
• Generate and maintain clear documentation of all performed analyses, including inputs, methods, and results to ensure proper communication during hardware reviews and qualification.
• Support stage, engine and sub-system testing through data review and provide recommendations based on data and analysis
• Develop standard practices for structural analysis and common hand calculations to expedite hardware development.
• Provide continued direction to the engineering team on highest value analysis and results deliverable schedule as the program evolves.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience performing thermal, structural and vibration analysis for aerospace hardware.
• Strong foundation with thermal, structural, vibration 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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Graduate degree with 6+ years experience
• Familiarity with liquid engine qualification and certification using NASA-STDs 5012
• Prior experience analyzing rocket engine combustion devices and turbo pump components.
• Experience with supporting failure investigations
• Proficient using ANSYS Workbench and NASGRO.
• Experience working in a fast-paced development program