Staff Flutter Engineer (TX/SD)
Shield AI
What you'll do:
- Lead flutter analysis across the full vehicle using modal, unsteady aerodynamic, and coupled aeroelastic modeling tools
- Build reduced-order models using software such as NASTRAN, ZAERO, MSC FlightLoads and Dynamics, or similar tools
- Perform frequency response and damping analysis to identify potential instabilities
- Define flutter clearance envelopes, predict divergence margins, and recommend design mitigations
- Support mass property and stiffness modeling for aeroelastic fidelity and flutter prediction accuracy
- Partner with test engineering to support flight test instrumentation, flutter testing, and data correlation
- Participate in structural design reviews to guide layout decisions based on flutter risk
- Own flutter test readiness reviews, analysis reports, and technical sign-off for envelope expansion
- Stay ahead of industry trends and recommend improved modeling or simulation practices
- Contribute to design guidelines that enable flutter-resilient structural concepts
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Structural Dynamics, or related discipline
- 8+ years of experience in flutter or aeroelastic analysis for aircraft development
- Proficient in flutter analysis tools such as ZAERO, NASTRAN, MSC FBD, MATLAB, or equivalent
- Deep understanding of structural dynamics, modal analysis, and aeroelastic stability theory
- Experience working with structural design and test teams to drive aeroelastic-informed decisions
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts related to flutter risk mitigation
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience on Group 3–5 UAVs, fighter-class aircraft, or military platforms
- Familiarity with MIL-F-9490, DO-160 flutter requirements, or equivalent test standards
- Background in real-time monitoring or adaptive control systems for flutter suppression
- Experience designing or overseeing flutter flight tests
- Active or prior DoD clearance (not required)