Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis - Ranger (R6300)

The role

You will lead structural analysis of UAV airframes and critical components within a program. You will oversee FEA, load cases, test correlation and design reviews, and mentor structural analysts.

What you will 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
• Contribute to evolving analysis methodologies and improving structural standards

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

Nice to have

• 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

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• An offer is contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
• Salary is influenced by skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and work location

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.