Lead Aerostructures Engineer for Next-Gen UAV Systems

Shield; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced structural engineer to lead the design of next‑gen UAV airframes, focusing on primary and secondary structures. You will own the design lifecycle from concept through drawing release and work with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful system integration.

You will perform linear and nonlinear analyses, guide margin assessments, and contribute to design reviews, material selection, and validation testing. Mentorship and rigorous documentation are expected.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aircraft structural design.
• Experience with composite and metallic structures and material behavior.
• Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN).
• Experience with DFMA, GD&T, tolerance stackups and structural layouts.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance.
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of structural components for Shield AI’s next-gen UAV platform.
• Own lifecycle from concept to drawing release with traceability.
• Perform and guide linear/nonlinear structural analysis and margin assessments.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and manufacturing teams.
• Lead material selection focusing on composites and aluminum alloys.
• Lead design reviews and technical decision forums.
• Oversee structural validation testing from coupon to full-system.
• Develop design documentation, analysis reports, and verification plans per MIL-STD/FAA/Shield standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure manufacturability.
• Transition designs to production and field deployment.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes and workflows.

Skills

Aircraft structural design

Composite and metallic structures

DFMA

GD&T

FEA analysis

Technical leadership

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced structural engineer to lead the design of next‑gen UAV airframes, focusing on primary and secondary structures. You will own the design lifecycle from concept through drawing release and work with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful system integration.

You will perform linear and nonlinear analyses, guide margin assessments, and contribute to design reviews, material selection, and validation testing. Mentorship and rigorous documentation are expected.