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Full-Time

Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I

Posted on 9/11/2024

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$75k - $145kAnnually

Junior, Mid, Senior

No H1B Sponsorship

Long Beach, CA, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Architecture & Civil Engineering
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
  • Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages
  • Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation
  • 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry (for Senior position)
  • Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline (nice to have)
  • Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts (nice to have)
  • Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.) (nice to have)
  • Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects) (nice to have)
  • Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints (nice to have)
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
Responsibilities
  • 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

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.5B

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

34%

2 year growth

77%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $70 million investment and creation of 100 new jobs, indicates strong growth and job opportunities.
  • Significant investments from firms like Verus Capital Partners and Susquehanna Fundamental Investments reflect strong market confidence in Rocket Lab's future.
  • Government funding, including $41 million from the Chips Act and $44 million from New Mexico, bolsters Rocket Lab's financial stability and capacity for innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape of the space industry, with major players like SpaceX, could pressure Rocket Lab to continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
  • Delays or failures in the development of the Neutron launch vehicle could impact Rocket Lab's ability to capture larger payload markets.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, showcasing a proven track record of reliability and success.
  • The company's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected for high-profile NASA missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Rocket Lab's dual launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia provide operational flexibility and increased launch frequency, a strategic advantage over competitors with fewer launch sites.

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