Senior Vibrations Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing responsive launch capabilities, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, payloads, and more. Their mission is to democratize access to space, supporting vital scientific, climate, security, and technological missions worldwide. The company’s Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, having deployed over 230 satellites. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle aimed at deploying larger constellations. Their Space Systems division designs spacecraft and components, including hardware for NASA lunar and Mars missions and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron Program Overview

The Neutron team is tasked with realizing the design, launch pads, test sites, and components of the new Neutron rocket in the United States, marking an opportunity to contribute to the maiden launch of a large rocket vehicle.

Role Summary – Senior Vibrations Engineer

As a Senior Vibrations Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the analysis and validation of vibration-related aspects of the Neutron rocket. Your responsibilities include predicting and defining load environments for various components, supporting testing and qualification activities, specifying sensor placements, conducting detailed simulations, and developing technical approaches to dynamics and load derivation.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze static and dynamic ground test and flight data; manage sensor selection, data acquisition, and validation.
• Determine environmental loads including random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal loads relevant to vehicle components.
• Conduct dynamic simulations such as modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, and transient analyses.
• Specify test criteria and provide direct support for testing of vehicle subsystems.
• Perform and document structural analyses on primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including finite element model verification and validation, material selection, trade-off studies, and mass optimization.
• Integrate new theoretical methods and tools to enhance team capabilities and establish best practices in vibration and load analysis.
• Participate in peer review evaluations for structural and vibration analyses.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of professional experience, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• Strong physics-based problem-solving abilities.
• Proven experience with vibration and shock testing methodologies.
• Competency in sensor selection and post-processing/interpretation of data from accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.
• Familiarity with static and dynamic structural test methods such as modal characterization, acoustic, random vibration, sine burst, force notching, shock, and fixture evaluation.
• Proficient in engineering programming and data analysis, especially using Python.
• Experience with finite element modeling and analysis software including Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks.
• Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively within a high-pressure environment and meet shifting deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with engineering teams.

Preferred Attributes

• Expertise in vibroacoustic modeling.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including traditional machining and additive manufacturing.
• Experience with NX CAD and Teamcenter software tools.

Workplace Culture and Expectations

Rocket Lab fosters a challenging yet supportive work environment emphasizing innovation, diligence, teamwork, and resilience. The culture promotes mutual respect, humility, and hands-on engagement to deliver impactful aerospace solutions despite demanding timelines.

Additional Information

U.S. Applicants: Compliance with ITAR regulations is mandatory; US citizenship or lawful permanent residency or appropriate authorization is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Rocket Lab is committed to a discrimination-free workplace and ensures equitable hiring practices covering all protected categories.

Accommodations: Candidates needing assistance during application or interview can contact the designated company representative for support specific to disabilities.

New Zealand Applicants: Employment offers are subject to background and nationality checks. Eligibility to access ITAR-regulated equipment and data requires citizenship from specified countries or compliance with regulation conditions, potentially affecting candidacy.