Dynamics Engineer II - Neutron

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 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.

DYNAMICS ENGINEER II 

We are seeking a skilled Dynamics Engineer to play a key role in analyzing, validating designs, and driving future improvements. In this position, you will predict and define loads and environments across various vehicle components, support testing and qualification campaigns, and oversee the specification and review of instrumentation placements (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples).

This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data
• Perform prediction of vibration environments around the vehicle based on finite element analysis and analytical methods
• Contribute the definition of the test plan, support the 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
• Working closely with avionics, design and propulsion team to determine suitable mounting strategies for different 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 similar field
• 3-5 years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, Mechatronics or Marine industries
• A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
• Experience with vibration and shock testing
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples etc.)
• Experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
  • Modal Characterisation
  • Random vibration
  • Sine burst
  • Force notching
  • Shock
  • Fixture evaluation
• Expertise 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: ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks
• Comfort executing to changing deadlines within a high-pressure environment
• Comfort working independently and in a team
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals

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 (or comparable industry)

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.