Engineering Manager, Structural Design (R4825)

Shieldai; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an Aerostructures Design Manager to lead the design and development of high‑performance structural components for next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will guide concepts through production release, ensuring structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across one of the most advanced platforms built today.

This role requires hands-on design experience with composite or metallic airframes, strong team leadership, and the ability to work across propulsion,

Qualifications

• 8+ years in aircraft structural design
• Experience leading project or IPT teams
• Experience releasing structural components in development or production
• Knowledge of composite and metallic structures, fasteners, joints, load paths
• Proficiency in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks)
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stackups, and DFMA
• Strong written and verbal technical communication
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership environments
• Experience with UAV/DoD/aerospace programs is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of structural components from concept to production release
• Ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration
• Collaborate cross-functionally across aerospace platform teams
• Apply FEA/tools to validate designs and optimize load paths

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

MS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD: NX/CATIA/SolidWorks

FEA: ANSYS/Abaqus/NASTRAN

Job description

Shield AI is a venture‑backed defense‑tech company that protects service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking an Aerostructures Design Manager to support the development of structural components for next‑generation autonomous aircraft. As a contributor on the Structures team, you will lead the design and development of high‑performance structural components from concept through production release. You will work cross‑functionally to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built today. This role is ideal for an aerospace engineer with significant hands‑on design experience with both composite or metallic airframes and demonstrated team‑lead experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft structural design or closely related aerospace structures.
• Experience with team leadership as a project or IPT style team lead.
• Experience designing and releasing structural components in development or production environments.
• Working knowledge of composite and metallic structures, including fasteners, bonded joints, and load paths.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stackups, and DFMA principles.
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast‑paced, high‑ownership engineering environments.
• Ability to obtain S//SAR level security clearance desirable.
• M.S. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience supporting UAV, DoD, or aerospace full vehicle programs.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards (MIL-STD, ASME Y14.5, FAA).
• Experience fabricating and testing large scale aerospace structures such as wings, fuselages or similar.
• Demonstrated understanding of composite manufacturing methods.
• Experience using FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar) for linear structural analysis.

Benefits

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.

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.