Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis - Ranger (R6369)

The role

Lead structural analysis and validation of next-generation UAV airframes as a senior subject-matter expert. Own analysis execution, support test correlation, and mentor structural analysts across the program.

What you will do

• Lead structural analysis for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components.
• 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 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, requirements, execution, and correlation to analysis.
• Review analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews.
• Mentor and technically guide structural analysts at varying experience levels.
• Partner with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams on structural and aircraft performance tradeoffs.
• Contribute to analysis methodologies and structural standards within the organization.

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 such as 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 obtain an S//SAR level security clearance.

Nice to have

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience 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.

Benefits

• Bonus.
• Benefits.
• Equity.
• Full-time regular employee offer package with pay within the listed range plus bonus, benefits and equity.

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance is desired.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.