Lead Engineer - Structural Analysis (Stress, Fatigue & Damage Tolerance)

Join Relativity as a Lead Engineer specializing in Structural Analysis, focusing on Stress, Fatigue, and Damage Tolerance. In this pivotal role, you will lead innovative engineering solutions that ensure the integrity and performance of our aerospace structures. Collaborate with a dynamic team, leveraging cutting-edge technology and methodologies to overcome complex engineering challenges.

Rocket Lab designs and manufactures launch vehicles, spacecraft, and payload solutions to support scientific research, Earth observation, national security, and technology demonstrations. The company’s Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. vehicle each year, with more than 230 satellites delivered to orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift rocket aimed at larger constellation deployments. The Space Systems division builds satellites and payload components, contributing to major NASA missions and projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope. The Space Systems team develops complete spacecraft and subsystems, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, and optical systems. With experience on over 1,700 missions, this group partners with organizations like NASA and the U.S. Space Force, supporting a wide range of ambitious space projects. Role overview The Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I/II is based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This engineer focuses on the analysis, design validation, and improvement of advanced space systems. The position is part of a collaborative engineering team dedicated to enhancing spacecraft performance and reliability.

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket Lab is a pioneering end-to-end space company that provides responsive launch services, comprehensive spacecraft design and manufacturing, and innovative payloads and satellite components. Our mission is to make space accessible to everyone. The rockets and satellites we construct and launch are instrumental in executing some of the most ambitious space missions worldwide, aiding scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and cutting-edge technology demonstrations.Our Electron rocket has achieved the status of the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has successfully delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. Simultaneously, we are advancing our Neutron rocket, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Our Space Systems division specializes in designing and building a vast array of satellites and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA’s missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as components utilized in the James Webb Space Telescope.SPACE SYSTEMSAt Rocket Lab, we are not merely launching rockets; we are crafting the future of space. Our Space Systems team is responsible for developing complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the vital components and subsystems that empower them to operate in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, and radios.With over 1,700 missions under our belt, our Space Systems team has facilitated a wide range of endeavors, from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to supporting national security and defense projects. We have collaborated with esteemed partners like NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force, building spacecraft and components for missions aimed at the Moon and Mars. Whether it's a single advanced spacecraft or a constellation of them, our world-class Space Systems team is poised to enable some of the boldest space missions.POSITION SUMMARYLocated at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Structural Analysis Engineer I/II plays a crucial role in analyzing, validating designs, and implementing future enhancements to our spacecraft structures, ensuring they meet rigorous performance and safety standards.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing space exploration by designing and manufacturing cutting-edge rockets tailored to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s advancements. Our Terran R vehicle is set to redefine the launch industry, providing unparalleled payload delivery to orbit and responding to the increasing need for launch capacity. This is just the beginning. By achieving commercial success with Terran R, we are unlocking new frontiers in science, exploration, and innovation, driving progress that extends beyond our current understanding.Joining Relativity means becoming part of an environment where autonomy, ownership, and significant impact are expected at every level. Here, you're not merely completing tasks; you are tackling unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of a rocket, a manufacturing facility, and a thriving business from the ground up. Whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will engage in cross-functional collaboration, influence decision-making, and witness your ideas come to fruition in record time. At Relativity, creativity and technical excellence coexist, and your contributions will shape the narrative of our collective journey. The present moment offers a unique opportunity to imprint your legacy on our product, processes, and culture, as we advance Terran R into tangible success. The most impactful work of your career is right here. Join us.About the Team: The Structures and Mechanisms team plays a pivotal role in the design, build, and testing phases of Terran R’s integrated structures and flight mechanisms. Whether you are focused on dynamic mechanisms that require precision or robust structures that demand reliability, you will take ownership of hands-on hardware projects and witness the rocket's evolution directly on the factory floor. Both teams function cohesively, sharing design principles and tools to ensure a holistic perspective on Terran R. Team members are encouraged to engage with multiple components across various subsystems, empowering them to make decisions that significantly influence flight hardware. Beyond the inaugural flight, your expertise will be vital in enhancing manufacturability and expediting production timelines.About the Role: Your responsibilities will encompass the entire design cycle, including conceptualization, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of primary and secondary structures, particularly those related to the Thrust Structure, Propellant Tanks, Interstage, and Fairing, among others. Creativity and innovative thinking are essential to optimize mass and minimize components while ensuring exceptional performance and reliability.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing the aerospace industry by constructing advanced rockets that meet the demands of today while paving the way for tomorrow's discoveries. Our Terran R vehicle is designed to transport payloads into orbit, addressing the increasing need for launch capacity. This is just the beginning; achieving commercial success with Terran R will open doors to new possibilities in science, exploration, and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what we know.By joining Relativity, you will engage in a culture that values autonomy, ownership, and significant impact at every level. Here, you will not merely fulfill tasks; you will tackle unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of rockets, manufacturing processes, and a dynamic business environment from the ground up. Whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will work collaboratively across teams, influence key decisions, and witness your contributions manifest in record time. Relativity fosters an atmosphere where creativity and technical excellence coexist, and your insights will shape the narrative we are crafting together. This is a unique moment to make a lasting impact on our product, processes, and culture, as Terran R gains momentum. The most fulfilling work of your career awaits you. Join us.

A new era in space exploration is underway. True Anomaly invites talented individuals with a passion for innovation to develop cutting-edge technologies that address the evolving challenges of engineering, manufacturing, and operational demands for space security and sustainability.OUR MISSIONWe believe that the peaceful utilization of space is vital for the ongoing prosperity of our planet—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. At True Anomaly, we engineer pioneering technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and artificial intelligence, enhancing the capabilities of the United States, our allies, and commercial partners. Our commitment is to protect global security by ensuring sustainable access to space for everyone.OUR VALUESBe the offset. We create unique advantages through creativity and ingenuity.What would it take? We challenge the status quo to achieve extraordinary results.It’s the people. Our team is our greatest asset, and we thrive together.YOUR MISSIONRESPONSIBILITIESLead the analysis and validation of structural systems for spacecraft and missile defense, ensuring performance and survivability in dynamic environments, including launch, on-orbit, and mission operations.Conduct comprehensive structural dynamics analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations.Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs) for spacecraft and missile defense structures and subsystems, ensuring precision in predicting dynamic behavior.Define and oversee dynamic testing campaigns, including vibration, shock, and acoustic tests, to confirm structural integrity and correlate models with empirical data.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering, to ensure dynamic requirements are integrated into the design process.Provide expert guidance in structural dynamics during trade studies, design reviews, and crucial decision-making phases.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing the aerospace industry by building rockets designed to meet both current and future demands. Our flagship vehicle, the Terran R, aims to deliver customer payloads to orbit, responding to the increasing need for launch capacity. Joining our team means being part of a dynamic environment where you'll take ownership of your work and tackle unprecedented challenges. As a Senior Structures Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in the design and development of integrated structures and flight mechanisms, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere that fosters innovation at every level. This is your chance to make a significant impact on the future of space exploration and technology.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing space travel by building advanced rockets that meet today’s demands and pave the way for tomorrow's innovations. Our Terran R vehicle is designed to transport customer payloads to orbit, addressing the increasing need for launch capacity. This is only the beginning; achieving commercial success with the Terran R will unlock new avenues for scientific advancement, exploration, and groundbreaking innovations that extend beyond our current understanding.Joining Relativity means you will be part of an environment that values autonomy, ownership, and significant impact at every level. Here, you are not simply performing tasks; you are tackling unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of a rocket, a manufacturing facility, and a thriving business from the ground up. Regardless of your role in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will work collaboratively across teams, influence decisions, and witness your contributions come to life swiftly. Relativity is a space where creativity intertwines with technical excellence, and your input will help narrate the collective journey we are undertaking. This is a pivotal moment; it’s early enough for you to leave a lasting imprint on our product, our processes, and our culture, while we have made tangible progress with the Terran R, which is gaining momentum. The most impactful work of your career awaits you here. Join us.

At Relativity Space, we are on a mission to revolutionize space travel by designing and manufacturing innovative rockets that cater to both current demands and future possibilities. Our flagship Terran R vehicle is engineered to transport customer payloads into orbit, addressing the increasing necessity for launch capacity. This is just the beginning; achieving commercial success with Terran R will open doors to groundbreaking advancements in science, exploration, and technological innovation that extend beyond our current understanding.Becoming a part of Relativity means immersing yourself in a culture where autonomy, ownership, and impactful contributions are integral to every role. Here, you won’t simply execute tasks; you’ll tackle unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of a rocket, a manufacturing facility, and a burgeoning business. Whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will collaborate across diverse teams, influence key decisions, and witness your contributions materialize rapidly. Relativity embodies a unique environment where creativity and technical precision converge, allowing your insights to shape the narrative of our shared journey. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your imprint on our product, processes, and culture as the Terran R project gains momentum. The most significant work of your career awaits—come join us.About the Team: The Structures and Mechanisms team is at the forefront of the entire design, manufacturing, and testing lifecycle of the Terran R’s integrated structures and flight mechanisms. Whether you’re engaged in the development of highly iterative mechanisms or ensuring the integrity of tight-margin structures, you will have direct ownership of hardware and see the rocket come to life in our production facility. Our teams operate under a unified department, sharing design principles, tools, and a holistic approach that provides a comprehensive understanding of the Terran R. Team members are involved in multiple components rather than limiting themselves to a single subsystem, and they are empowered to make decisions that significantly affect flight hardware. Beyond the first flight, you will play a pivotal role in refining designs for manufacturability and efficiency.About the Role: The scope of your responsibilities will encompass the entire design process, including conceptualization, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of primary and secondary structures such as Thrust Structures, Propellant Tanks, and Interstage components. You will be expected to think creatively and utilize innovative methods to minimize mass, reduce part counts, and enhance overall performance.

Join vast as a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in Structures, where your engineering expertise will shape innovative solutions in the mechanical domain. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design and analyze structural systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project specifications. Your contributions will be pivotal in driving projects from concept to completion, employing advanced engineering principles and methodologies.

At Relativity Space, we are at the forefront of revolutionizing rocket technology to meet both current demands and future innovations. Our Terran R vehicle is designed to transport customer payloads into orbit, addressing the increasing need for launch capacity. This is merely the beginning; achieving commercial success with Terran R will open doors to new avenues in science, exploration, and technological advancement, pushing the boundaries of what is currently understood. By joining Relativity, you become part of an environment that fosters autonomy, ownership, and impactful contributions at every level. You won’t just be completing tasks; you will be tackling unprecedented challenges, aiding in the development of a rocket and a factory, and shaping a business from the ground up. Regardless of whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will collaborate across teams, influence key decisions, and witness your contributions come to fruition swiftly. Relativity is a space where creativity merges with technical precision, and your insights will help craft the narratives we are collectively building. This is a pivotal moment where you can significantly influence the product, process, and culture, while Terran R is gaining momentum and becoming a tangible reality. The most fulfilling work of your career awaits you. Join us now!

At Relativity Space, we are pioneering the future of aerospace by building innovative rockets that address immediate demands and unlock future possibilities. Our Terran R vehicle is designed to transport customer payloads to orbit, catering to the increasing need for launch capacity. This is just the beginning; achieving commercial success with Terran R will open new avenues for scientific advancement, exploration, and technological innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is known.Becoming a part of Relativity means engaging in an environment where autonomy, ownership, and impactful contributions are integral to every role. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you are tackling unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of a rocket, a factory, and an entire business from the ground up. Whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will collaborate across teams, influence key decisions, and witness your work materialize in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity meets technical excellence, and your insights will shape the narrative we craft together. This is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the product, process, and culture, well before Terran R gains full momentum. The most significant work of your career awaits—join us.About the Team: The Structures and Mechanisms team is dedicated to the comprehensive design, build, and testing lifecycle of Terran R's integrated structures and flight mechanisms. Whether you're developing highly iterative mechanisms or optimizing tight-margin structures, you will have hands-on ownership of hardware and witness the rocket's evolution on the factory floor. Team members are encouraged to work on various components, not limited to a single subsystem, and are empowered to make decisions that significantly influence flight hardware. Beyond the initial flight, you will play a vital role in enhancing manufacturability and efficiency.About the Role:

At Relativity Space, we are at the forefront of aerospace innovation, dedicated to constructing rockets that meet today's demands while paving the way for tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle is designed to deliver customer payloads to orbit, responding to the ever-growing need for launch capacity. This is merely the beginning; achieving commercial success with Terran R will create new opportunities for advancing science, exploration, and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Becoming a part of Relativity means engaging in an environment rich with autonomy, ownership, and significant impact at every level. Here, you won’t just complete tasks; you will tackle unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of a rocket, a factory, and an entire business from the ground up. Whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will work collaboratively across teams, influence decisions, and witness your contributions come to life swiftly. Relativity champions a culture where creativity intertwines with technical excellence, and your insights will help shape our collective narrative. This is a pivotal moment to leave your mark on our product, processes, and culture, as Terran R gains momentum and becomes increasingly tangible. The most impactful work of your career awaits you. Join us.About the Team: The Materials and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) team is vital in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale, focusing on the development, characterization, and inspection of materials and processes throughout all aspects of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, this team operates at the intersection of creativity and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and timelines. As we advance towards our first flight and beyond, the challenges grow more thrilling, offering opportunities to redefine our approach to design and development for reusability. Engineers here enjoy comprehensive exposure and influence key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.

Join our dynamic team at KPFF Consulting Engineers as a Senior Structural Engineer specializing in waterfront and marine projects. This role is essential for delivering innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges in special projects. Your expertise will drive the design and analysis of structures that are not only functional but also environmentally sustainable.

A new era in space exploration is upon us, and True Anomaly is at the forefront. We are on the lookout for talented and ambitious individuals to join us in developing cutting-edge technology designed to address the engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges associated with space security and sustainability.OUR MISSIONThe peaceful utilization of space is crucial for the ongoing prosperity of our planet, influencing everything from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly innovatively integrates spacecraft, software, and AI to bolster the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners, ensuring global security through sustainable space access.OUR VALUESBe the offset. We leverage creativity and ingenuity to create asymmetric advantages.What would it take? We challenge the status quo to deliver ambitious results.It’s the people. Our team is our greatest asset, and collaboration is key.YOUR MISSION RESPONSIBILITIESEngage in the analysis and validation of spacecraft and missile defense structural systems to ensure survivability and performance in dynamic environments, including launch, on-orbit, and mission operations.Conduct static structural stress analyses, encompassing inertial and handling load simulations.Perform structural dynamics stress analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations.Create and validate finite element models (FEMs) of spacecraft and missile defense structures and subsystems, ensuring predictive accuracy in dynamic behavior.Participate in dynamic testing campaigns, including vibration, shock, and acoustic testing, to verify structural integrity and correlate models with experimental results.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering, to ensure structural requirements are fulfilled.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing the aerospace industry by designing and manufacturing rockets that cater to current demands and future innovations. Our Terran R vehicle is set to deliver payloads into orbit, addressing the increasing need for launch capacity. This is merely the beginning; achieving commercial success with Terran R will pave the way for new scientific and exploratory advancements, leading to groundbreaking discoveries. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that values autonomy, ownership, and impactful contributions from every team member. Here, you won’t just be completing tasks; you’ll be tackling unprecedented challenges, helping to construct a rocket, a manufacturing facility, and a thriving business from the ground up. Collaborate across various disciplines—be it propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions—and witness your contributions come to life rapidly. At Relativity, creativity pairs seamlessly with technical precision, and your insights will shape the narrative of our collective journey. Now is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on our products, processes, and culture as Terran R gains momentum. The most significant work of your career awaits. Join us.

A new era in space exploration is upon us, and True Anomaly is on the forefront of this revolution. We are in search of talented and ambitious individuals to pioneer cutting-edge technologies that address the evolving challenges in engineering, manufacturing, and operational aspects of space security and sustainability.OUR MISSIONThe peaceful utilization of space is crucial for sustained prosperity on Earth, impacting critical sectors from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly innovates at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance capabilities for the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners, while safeguarding global security and ensuring sustainable access to space for all.OUR VALUESBe the offset. We leverage creativity and ingenuity to create asymmetric advantages.What would it take? We question assumptions to achieve audacious outcomes.It’s the people. Our team is our competitive edge, and collaboration leads to greater success.YOUR MISSIONRESPONSIBILITIESLead the analysis and validation of missile defense structural systems to ensure their survivability and performance in dynamic environments, encompassing launch and mission operations.Conduct detailed structural dynamics stress analyses, including modal, harmonic, random vibration, shock, and transient response simulations.Develop and validate finite element models (FEMs) of missile defense structures and subsystems to accurately predict dynamic behavior.Define and oversee dynamic testing campaigns, including vibration, shock, and acoustic tests, to verify structural integrity and correlate models with test outcomes.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering, to ensure dynamic requirements are seamlessly integrated into the design process.Provide specialized expertise in structural dynamics during trade studies, design reviews, and critical decision-making moments.

At Relativity Space, we are at the forefront of rocket innovation, crafting the Terran R vehicle designed to fulfill today's launch demands while paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in space exploration. Joining our team means engaging in a culture of autonomy and ownership where you contribute to solving unprecedented challenges. You won’t just be executing tasks; you’ll be an integral part of developing cutting-edge technology, collaborating across various disciplines to see your contributions come to life swiftly. This is a pivotal moment to leave your mark on a product, process, and culture that are shaping the future of aerospace.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing the aerospace industry by constructing advanced rockets that cater to current demands and future innovations. Our flagship Terran R vehicle is designed to transport customer payloads into orbit, addressing the escalating need for reliable launch capacity. However, this is merely the beginning. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will open doors to further advancements in science, exploration, and innovation, paving the way for extraordinary breakthroughs that extend beyond our current understanding. Joining Relativity means immersing yourself in a culture where autonomy, ownership, and impact resonate at every level. Here, you are not just executing tasks; you are tackling unprecedented challenges and contributing to the development of rockets, factories, and a business from the ground up. Regardless of whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or corporate functions, you will collaborate with diverse teams, influence critical decisions, and witness your contributions materialize in record time. Relativity fosters an environment where creativity and technical precision coexist, and your insights will help shape the narratives we create together. Now is an unparalleled moment to leave your mark on the product, process, and culture, as we are at a stage where Terran R is becoming a reality and gaining momentum. The most significant work of your career awaits. Join us.

At Relativity Space, we are revolutionizing space travel by designing and building advanced rockets that cater to current demands and pave the way for future innovations. Our flagship Terran R vehicle is engineered to deliver customer payloads into orbit, addressing the escalating need for launch capacity. This is merely the beginning. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will open doors to further advancements in science, exploration, and innovation, making strides that extend beyond the boundaries of the known universe.Becoming a part of Relativity means immersing yourself in an environment characterized by autonomy, ownership, and significant impact at every level. Here, you are more than just an employee executing tasks; you are a problem-solver tackling unprecedented challenges, contributing to the development of a rocket, a manufacturing facility, and a transformative business model from the ground up. Regardless of whether your expertise lies in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you will collaborate across various teams, influence critical decisions, and witness your contributions come to fruition in record time. Relativity is a realm where creativity merges with technical precision, and your insights will shape the narrative of our collective journey. This is a remarkable opportunity to leave an indelible mark on our product, processes, and culture while working on the tangible and rapidly advancing Terran R. Your most impactful career experiences await. Join us.About the Team:The Propulsion team at Relativity is dedicated to the development and delivery of high-performance, manufacturable engines tailored for the Terran R. Engineers in this team oversee the entire lifecycle of their components, from initial design through production to qualification and flight. We cultivate a culture of bottom-up decision-making, where technical gatekeeping is absent, and accountability is emphasized at every level. Designing engines capable of producing a quarter million pounds of thrust is merely the beginning; as the flight configuration progresses towards qualification, the team is actively exploring enhancements for future engines, including thrust upgrades, new operational cycles, and designs optimized for mass production.About the Role: