Sr. Staff / Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis (R4954)

Shield AI
On-site
Posted 9 months ago
X-BAT Division

Job Description

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Staff or Senior Staff Structural Analyst to support the structural analysis and validation of next-generation UAV platforms. In this role, you will serve as a subject-matter expert in airframe structures, execute complex analysis efforts, support test correlation, and ensure structural integrity across development, flight test, and production. This opportunity is ideal for experienced engineers (10-15 years) who have owned significant structural analysis workstreams on aerospace programs and are comfortable independently executing analyses, mentoring engineers, and informing critical design tradeoffs.

Candidates will be considered at the Staff or Senior Staff level, with leveling and associated compensation determined by relevant experience and demonstrated technical expertise.

Responsibilities

What you'll do:

  • Lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components within a program scope.
  • Define and execute finite element modeling approaches, load cases, assumptions, and margin assessments.
  • Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses.
  • Establish sound practices for hand calculations, model validation, and analysis-to-test correlation.
  • Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
  • Support structural test strategy, including defining requirements, participating in execution, and correlating results to analysis.
  • Review structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews.
  • Mentor and technically guide structural analysts across varying experience levels.
  • Partner cross-functionally with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams to balance structural requirements with overall aircraft performance goals.
  • Contribute to evolving analysis methodologies and improving structural standards within the organization.
  • Requirements

    Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems.
  • Strong expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
  • Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
  • Significant experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
  • Experience supporting structural testing, model correlation, and flight test validation.
  • Ability to lead complex technical workstreams and influence design decisions within a program.
  • Strong communication skills and experience presenting analysis findings to engineering leadership.
  • Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
  • Preferred qualifications:

  • 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.
  • Experience contributing to internal analysis standards or best practices.
  • Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and enterprise engineering toolchains.
  • Ready to Apply?

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    About the job

    Posted on
    Feb 19, 2026
    Job type
    Full-time
    Location
    Seattle, WashingtonOn-site

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