Spacecraft Structural Engineer I

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. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I contributes to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of our suite of Space Systems and Space Components. You will be expected to define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analysis, guide design, and help validate analysis, design, and system performance through test. You will support the Vehicle Design Director and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: • 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 QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I: • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline • Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements • Structural analysis experience in the aerospace industry • Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline • Active security clearance • Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts • Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.) • Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects) • Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints • Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $82,400—$113,300 USD 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