Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I/II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I/II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I/II contributes to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of our suite of Space Systems and Space Components. You will be expected to define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analysis, guide design, and help validate analysis, design, and system performance through test. You will support the Vehicle Design Director and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I or Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including: sensor selection, data acquisition and validation, and environmental determination (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal)

Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including: finite element model verification and validation, material selection, performance of trade-off studies, and mass optimization

Perform structural and dynamic simulations, including: static, modal, random vibration, buckling, and thermoelastic

Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate through design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive structural margins

Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems and components

Lead technical projects and programs, as required, both within analysis and across disciplines and teams

Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in areas of technical expertise

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance

U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Structural analysis experience in the aerospace industry

Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER II:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance

U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

2+ years of structural analysis experience in the aerospace industry

Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline

Active security clearance

Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts

Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.)

Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects)

Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints

Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$89,350 — $179,675 USD

Base Salary

$82,400 — $144,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy appli