Structural Analyst II

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. STRUCTURAL ANALYST As a Structural Analyst you will work directly with design, manufacturing, and test engineers to develop and validate primary and secondary composite structures for the Neutron launch vehicle: owning your designs from concept to completion. This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space! WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Support the analysis of primary and secondary structures, including composites and metallic components, and integrated structural assemblies Build, run, and post-process FE models to calculate design responses and margins to static, dynamic, and thermal loads Collaborate with design engineers to develop concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes Work alongside test engineers to define test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process test data against analytical predictions Develop and document structural analysis methods Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field 5+ years’ experience performing structural analysis of composite components for high performance applications Strong understanding of composites engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, classical lamination theory, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes) Demonstrated expertise with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: NASTRAN (FEMAP), ANSYS, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks etc. Experience with structural testing of composite components or assemblies Experience supporting composite manufacture and prototyping The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with defect and damage tolerance assessment of composite structures including the disposition of hardware non-conformances Experience in linear and non-linear buckling Experience in composite joint design Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation of static dynamic structural test (load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, LVDT’s etc.) Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA, or si ... (truncated, view full listing at source)