Rocket lab

Senior Analysis Engineer I

Albuquerque, NM Full Time

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. 

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

SENIOR ANALYSIS ENGINEER I 

As a Senior Analysis Engineer based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support with the development of the business via the generation of proposal-level technical design and analysis of solar array panels, as well as in the execution of internal and external programs via detailed technical analysis aimed at ensuring compliance with key program requirements. In this role you will support the definition of panel program test specifications and assists in the troubleshooting of issues as they arise during the manufacturing phase. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

  • Providing technical leadership for the analysis products for internal and external projects, programs, and proposals, including planning/preparation, execution, and presentation of results.
  • Review of customer technical documents and specifications. Engage with external and internal customers to ensure that program requirements are understood, documented, and agreed upon
  • Conduct program and proposal-level technical design and analysis including, but not limited to:
    • CAD-based CIC (coverglass-interconnected-cell) layouts on solar array panels, working with the Design Engineering team to ensure that layouts are manufacturable and compliant with internal design rules
    • Environmental analysis including evaluation of solar cell damage due to charged particles, atomic oxygen erosion, micrometeoroid and orbital debris, ultraviolet light, ESD, etc.
    • Evaluation of solar panel power production at beginning-of-life and end-of-life and under nominal and worst-case conditions
    • Component stress/derating and reliability analysis
    • Mass analysis
    • Electronic component radiation analysis and shielding design trades (using FASTRAD or similar)
  • Generation of proposal technical summary describing the design and estimated performance and ensuring compliance with customer requirements. Works with business development team to ensure proposed designs are consistent with business strategic goals.
  • Generation of Microsoft PowerPoint slides, Excel workbooks, and other documents used to present and describe technical analysis.
  • Assist in the continuous improvement of analysis tool sets, templates, and procedures

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ANALYSIS ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field
  • 5+ years of experience working in aerospace, defense, medical, automotive or another industry designing and manufacturing high-reliability products
  • Previous experience in technical analysis or systems engineering
  • Experience operating in a dynamic environment while meeting aggressive deadlines when under pressure
  • Proficient in use of Microsoft windows Office Suite including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Able to multitask and work multiple projects/programs simultaneously
  • Team player with a positive and can-do attitude
  • Detail-oriented, data-driven and analytical approach to problem solving
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Must adhere to and enforce all R&D and EHS safety policies and procedures at all times, keep an efficient/effective work environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to create clear and succinct technical documentation using technical writing fundamentals
  • Able to quickly absorb, process, and apply information outside of one’s core competencies
  • Aptitude and interest in technical analysis and simulation. Strong focus on electrical analysis, but also includes environmental, thermal, orbital, and/or mechanical/structural analysis.
  • Experience in charged particle radiation modelling and analysis of electronic components using FASTRAD (or similar tool sets) via ray tracing or Monte Carlo approaches. Subject matter expertise in charged particle effects in materials/components, analysis methods, design of radiation shielding, and methods of component/material radiation testing.
  • Experience in spacecraft or solar array orbital thermal modelling via Thermal Desktop (or similar)
  • Experience in the satellite or aerospace industry.
  • Familiarity with high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and composite structural products.
  • Experience in use of computer-aided-design (CAD)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus 
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

 

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 at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

 

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.