Principal Space Systems Structural Analyst

at  Rocket Lab USA

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

The Structural & Mechanical Systems team supports the hardware design and development of spacecraft structures, Photon platforms and related payload and mission objectives. The Structural & Mechanical Systems team works closely with other engineering teams and Production to bring new concepts to life. This includes the development of spacecraft systems, related data structures, and documentation to support the associated manufacturing and performance improvements.
As a Principal Structural Analyst in Rocket Lab’s Structural & Mechanical Systems team, you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of spacecraft structures, Photon platforms and related payload and mission objectives.
Day to day you will be expected to process flight/test data to determine component environments, demonstrate positive structural margin against these environments through detailed analysis, set the requirements to validate this analysis through hands-on testing and qualification campaigns, specify/review instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc..), assess and action risks, and mentor other engineers through the same. The scope of work may extend to perform detailed simulations, physics-based analysis and establishing technical methodology.
Success in this position will be measured by the value of the knowledge and experience in analysis that you bring to this role, your ability to lead analysis projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the skilful prioritisation of competing engineering development projects across the group.

In more detail:

• Lead the analysis of primary and secondary structures, including composites and metallic components, and integrated structural assemblies.
• Build, run, and post-process finite element models to calculate design responses and margins to static, dynamic, and thermal loads.
• Collaborate with design engineers to develop concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes.
• Contribute to the definition of test plans, support test activities, and carry out the post-processing of data.
• Define suitable sensors (type and location) to monitor the in-flight environments and post-process data to verify correlation with numerical predictions.
• Mentor and technically assist junior engineers.

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who is keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.