Senior Structural Analyst

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted March 10, 2026

Job Description

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.

SENIOR STRUCTURAL ANALYST

As a Senior Structural Analyst in Rocket Lab’s Analysis team you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of Rocket Lab’s suite of Launch Vehicles, Space Systems, and Space Components. 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:

Analyze and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, including sensor selection, data validation, and environmental factors (vibration, shock, acoustic, thermal).
Perform and document structural analyses of launch vehicle structures, including finite element model validation, material selection, trade-off studies, and mass optimization.
Conduct structural and dynamic simulations (static, modal, vibration, buckling, thermal) and collaborate with design/test engineers to refine designs and ensure structural margins.
Define test requirements, support subsystem/component testing, and lead technical projects across teams and disciplines.
Implement new tools, establish best practices, and coach team members in technical expertise and system navigation.
Consistently identify optimal solutions to engineering challenges and set standards of excellence for the team.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

A Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
7+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
Expert knowledge of structural mechanics
Demonstrated expertise with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks
Experience using NX CAD and/or Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry standard packages) with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analyses
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining, and additive manufacturing
Experience with accurate prediction of component life and structural margins, including:
- Ductile metal failure
- Fatigue
- Fracture
Expertise in vibroacoustic modelling and analysis
Experience with sensor