Lead UAV Structures Engineer for Autonomous Aircraft

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a senior structural engineer to design and validate the airframe for a next-generation UAV platform. You will own the structural lifecycle, perform FEA under operational loads, and ensure seamless integration with aerodynamics, propulsion, and manufacturing teams.

You will mentor junior engineers, lead design reviews, and push for high-quality, manufacturable solutions compliant with MIL-STD, FAA standards, and internal Shield AI requirements.

Qualifications

• Lead design and development of structural components for UAV platform.
• Manage design lifecycle from concept to drawing release with traceability.
• Perform structural and stress analyses under loads and edge cases.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.
• Oversee material selection for composites and aluminum alloys and advanced manufacturing.
• Participate in design reviews and technical decision processes.
• Guide validation testing at coupon, subcomponent, and full-system levels.
• Develop design documentation, interfaces, and verification plans per MIL-STD/FAA.

Responsibilities

• Lead structure design for next-gen UAV airframe and interfaces.
• Conduct and guide linear and nonlinear structural analyses.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for system integration.
• Mentor junior engineers and review work for rigor and manufacturability.
• Drive design reviews and architecture discussions.

Skills

Structural design

FEA analysis

CAD tools

Cross-functional leadership

Technical ownership

DFMA

GD&T

Stress analysis

Team mentorship

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace

MS degree in Aerospace or Mechanical

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

Shield AI seeks a senior structural engineer to design and validate the airframe for a next-generation UAV platform. You will own the structural lifecycle, perform FEA under operational loads, and ensure seamless integration with aerodynamics, propulsion, and manufacturing teams.

You will mentor junior engineers, lead design reviews, and push for high-quality, manufacturable solutions compliant with MIL-STD, FAA standards, and internal Shield AI requirements.