Senior Engineer, Structural Analysis (R4722)
Shield AI
San Diego, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 21, 2026
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are looking for an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of designing and optimizing structural components and systems for cutting-edge aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Your contributions will be critical in advancing the capabilities of our intelligent systems used in high-stakes defense applications.
What you'll do:
- Develop innovative structural designs for aircraft and UAVs, focusing on airframes, support structures, and load-bearing components.
- Utilize advanced CAD software to create detailed models and drawings, ensuring all designs meet specified requirements.
- Perform structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to evaluate performance under various conditions and loads.
- Create and execute comprehensive testing plans to validate the strength, durability, and performance of structural components.
- Conduct stress, fatigue, and environmental testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Diagnose and resolve structural issues, utilizing both experimental data and analytical methods.
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing, to ensure cohesive and efficient designs.
- Coordinate with the electrical and systems engineering teams to integrate structural components seamlessly into overall system designs.
- Engage in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve design processes and outcomes.
- Prepare detailed documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and test results.
- Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulatory standards and industry best practices, such as FAA and MIL-STD requirements.
- Maintain accurate records of design changes, test procedures, and product iterations.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and structural design methodologies.
- Propose and implement design optimizations to enhance performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Participate in R&D initiatives to explore new technologies and innovative solutions for structural challenges.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in structural design and analysis within the aerospace or defense industries.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
- In-depth knowledge of materials science, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics.
- Experience with validation testing and compliance with aerospace standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with the design and analysis of UAVs and autonomous systems.
- Familiarity with AI and machine learning applications in structural design.
- Knowledge of environmental testing protocols and military standards compliance.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Matlab and Python for data analysis and automation.
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
110000 - 160000 USD a year