Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a Senior Engineer, Structural Analysis to support the structural analysis and testing of advanced UAVs, collaborating with various engineering teams to ensure the structural integrity of high-performance aircraft.
Responsibilities
- Assist in building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components
- Perform static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability
- Conduct hand calculations to validate FEA results, ensuring accuracy and structural reliability
- Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength, and manufacturability
- Support the development of test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration, and shock testing
- Analyze flight telemetry and structural test data to improve modeling accuracy and correlate predictions with real-world performance
- Assist in defining load cases, material properties, and design margins for UAV airframe and mechanical components
- Document and present structural analysis reports and technical recommendations to engineering teams
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural requirements align with system performance goals
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural analysis methodologies, tools, and best practices
Skills
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling, or aircraft loads analysis
- Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar)
- Strong ability to perform hand calculations for structural strength, stability, and fatigue analysis
- Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures
- Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (static, vibration, and fatigue)
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar)
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience in aircraft structural design, UAV airframe development, or aerospace testing
- Hands-on experience with structural testing, modal analysis, or composite modeling
- Exposure to CAD software (NX, SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar)
- Understanding of aerospace industry standards, structural certification processes, and material selection
Benefits
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
- Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company Overview
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians. It was founded in 2015, and is headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.shield.ai.