Senior Dynamics Analyst

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.
While other companies talk about it, we do it!
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 ANALYST - NEUTRON
Rocket Lab seeks a Senior Dynamics Analyst to build Neutron: Rocket Lab’s medium lift, reusable launch vehicle.
As a Senior Dynamics Analyst, you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of the Neutron launch vehicle. Day to day, you will be expected to predict and define loads and environments for different vehicle components, support testing and qualification campaigns, and specify vehicle instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc..). You will also perform detailed simulations, and establish technical methodologies used across the engineering team.
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 keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.
This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Perform prediction of launch vehicle vibration environments based on finite element analysis and analytical methods
Contribute the test plan definition, support test activities, and post process test results for dynamic testing (random vibration, acoustics, shock)
Define suitable sensors (type and location) to monitor the in-flight environments and post process data to verify correlation with numerical predictions
Working closely with avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion team members to determine suitable mounting strategies for vehicle and ground system components
Collect documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a similar field
5+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
Demonstrated Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples etc.)
Demonstrated Experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
Modal Characterization
Acoustics
Random vibration
Shock
Experience with engineering programming and data analysis, especially in Python
Experience with finite element modelling and analysis with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks
Comfort executing to changing deadlines within a high-pressure environment
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Expertise in vibroacoustic modelling
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining, and additive manufacturing
Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages
If the above sounds like you apply now!
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.