Senior Dynamics Engineer

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 to 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 DYNAMICS ENGINEER As a Senior Dynamics Engineer, you'll take ownership of critical technical challenges, correctly assess and mitigate risks before they happen, and continuously deliver results that exceed initial goals. You'll help set the standard of excellence for the team while contributing to humanity's access to space through reusable launch technology. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Predict and define vibration environments across the vehicle using finite element analysis and analytical methods Perform sophisticated dynamic simulations including modal, acoustic, random vibration, sine harmonic, and transient analyses Specify and review instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.) locations on the vehicle to monitor in-flight environments Define test requirements and directly support testing and qualification campaigns for vehicle subsystems Process and interpret static and dynamic ground test and flight data, validating correlation with numerical predictions Collaborate closely with avionics, design, and propulsion teams to determine optimal mounting strategies for different components Validate and document structural analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle structures, including FEM verification, material selection, and mass optimization Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in dynamics and load derivation Conduct peer reviews of analyses and mentor junior engineers Maintain documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar field 5 to 7+ years of industry experience , ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries Strong physics-based approach to problem solving with the ability to identify optimal solutions to complex engineering challenges Demonstrated experience with vibration and shock testing including test planning, execution, and post-processing Proven expertise in sensor selection and data interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.) Hands-on experience with static and dynamic structural test methods , including: Modal characterization Acoustic testing Random vibration Sine burst Force notching Shock testing Fixture evaluation Proficiency with engineering programming and data analysis , especially in Python Experience with finite element modeling and analysis using industry-standard FEA packages (Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Na…