Senior Engineer, Structural Analysis (R6027)

The role

You will support structural analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will build finite element models, run static, modal, fatigue and vibration analyses, and work with design and test teams on airframe structures.

What you will do

• Build and refine finite element models of UAV components.
• Perform static, modal, fatigue and vibration analyses.
• Conduct hand calculations to validate FEA results.
• Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures for weight, strength and manufacturability.
• Support test plans for quasi-static, vibration and shock testing.
• Analyze flight telemetry and structural test data to improve modeling accuracy.
• Define load cases, material properties and design margins.
• Document and present structural analysis reports and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on structural and system performance goals.
• Contribute to improving structural analysis methods, tools and practices.

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling or aircraft loads analysis, with a B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace or a related field; or 3+ years of experience with an M.S. in Me
• Experience with FEA tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, ANSYS, Patran or similar.
• Ability to perform hand calculations for structural strength and stability analysis.
• Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing methods: static, vibration and/or fatigue.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, MATLAB, Python or similar.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and teamwork.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience in aircraft structural design, UAV airframe development or aerospace testing.
• Hands-on experience with structural testing.
• Exposure to CAD software such as NX, Catia or SolidWorks, and PLM tools such as Teamcenter or similar.
• Understanding of aerospace standards, structural certification and material selection.
• Fatigue and damage tolerance (DaDT) experience, including crack initiation and crack growth.

Benefits

• Bonus for full-time regular employees.
• Equity for full-time regular employees.
• Benefits package for full-time regular employees.
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment, for temporary employees.

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance is required.
• 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.