Senior Dynamics Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

SENIOR DYNAMICS ENGINEER

As a Senior Dynamics Engineer, you'll take ownership of critical technical challenges, correctly assess and mitigate risks before they happen, and continuously deliver results that exceed initial goals. You'll help set the standard of excellence for the team while contributing to humanity's access to space through reusable launch technology.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Predict and define vibration environments across the vehicle using finite element analysis and analytical methods
• Perform sophisticated dynamic simulations including modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, and transient analyses
• Specify and review instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.) locations on the vehicle to monitor in-flight environments
• Define test requirements and directly support testing and qualification campaigns for vehicle subsystems
• Process and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, validating correlation with numerical predictions
• Collaborate closely with avionics, design, and propulsion teams to determine optimal mounting strategies for different components
• Validate and document structural analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including FEM verification, material selection, and mass optimization
• Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in dynamics and load derivation
• Conduct peer reviews of analyses and mentor junior engineers
• Maintain documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar field
• 5 to 7+ years of industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• Strong physics-based approach to problem solving with the ability to identify optimal solutions to complex engineering challenges
• Demonstrated experience with vibration and shock testing including test planning, execution, and post-processing
• Proven expertise in sensor selection and data interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
  • Modal characterization
  • Acoustic testing
  • Random vibration
  • Sine burst
  • Force notching
  • Shock testing
  • Fixture evaluation
• Proficiency with engineering programming and data analysis, especially in Python
• Experience with finite element modeling and analysis using industry-standard FEA packages (Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks)
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment with changing deadlines and competing priorities
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships across engineering disciplines
• Positive, proactive attitude with a "How can I help?" mentality—no task is beneath you
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Expertise in vibroacoustic modeling
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining and additive manufacturing
• Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry-standard tools)
• Previous experience in the space launch industry
• Background in mentoring and developing junior engineers

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 applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.