Lead Structures Engineer, Aerospace Launch & Recovery

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 166,632 - 249,948; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Structures Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of a novel Launch and Recovery System for our next generation UAS. This role is pivotal in creating robust, field-deployable support systems that enable aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations, perform trade studies, and oversee prototyping, testing, and validation to meet aerospace standards

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical design experience in aerospace or heavy industrial systems.
• Proficient in CAD and 3D modeling for complex launcher systems.
• Background in structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with deployable, field-ready ground support equipment.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD design requirements.
• Experience with FEA, thermal and lifecycle testing.
• Ability to work in fast-paced agile environment.
• S//SAR clearance is desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop launcher systems, including power units, transport structures, launch and recovery functions, and maintenance tools.
• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturing and assembly.
• Conduct structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to ensure durability and reliability of launcher systems in field environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate launcher with aircraft systems and mission operations.
• Perform trade studies and system optimization to enhance portability, ruggedness, and maintainability of support systems.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of launcher designs to meet military and aviation standards.
• Develop technical documentation, test procedures, and support manuals for field operations.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure cost-effective production and sustainment of launcher system.
• Support flight test campaigns by providing engineering support for ground and test operations.

Skills

Aerospace mechanical design

CAD software

FEM analysis

Structural analysis

Deployable equipment

MIL-STD design

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Structures Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of a novel Launch and Recovery System for our next generation UAS. This role is pivotal in creating robust, field-deployable support systems that enable aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations, perform trade studies, and oversee prototyping, testing, and validation to meet aerospace standards