Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis · Shield AI

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:04:26 GMT
Engineering

Shield AI · Dallas, Texas / San Diego, California · $173,080 - $259,620 a year · onsite
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Structural Analyst to provide advanced technical leadership in the structural analysis and validation of next-generation UAV platforms. This role is ideal for engineers with 12–15+ years of experience who have led major structural workstreams on aerospace programs. As a Senior Staff Structural Analyst, you will lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components within a program scope. You will define and execute finite element modeling approaches, load cases, assumptions, and margin assessments. You will perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses. Key responsibilities include establishing sound practices for hand calculations, model validation, and analysis-to-test correlation; driving structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets; and supporting structural test strategy, including defining requirements, participating in execution, and correlating results to analysis. You will also review structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews; mentor and technically guide structural analysts across varying experience levels; and partner cross-functionally with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams to balance structural requirements with overall aircraft performance goals. Required qualifications include a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; 12+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems; strong expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar); and advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance. Preferred qualifications include a Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; experience serving as a senior technical lead on aircraft or UAV structural programs; hands-on involvement in flight test support and certification efforts; and experience contributing to internal analysis standards or best practices.