Senior Aerostructures Design Engineer for UAV Platforms

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI in the United States is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to lead structural components for its next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will design from concept through production release and collaborate across aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

Ideal candidates hold an MS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years in aircraft structures, and experience with composites, metals, DFMA, GD&T, and FEA tools such as ANSYS or Abaqus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years in aircraft structural design or related aerospace structures.
• Experience releasing structural components in development or production.
• Knowledge of composite and metallic structures, fasteners, joints, load paths.
• Proficient in CAD tools and GD&T; strong technical communication.
• Able to work in fast-paced, high-ownership environments; DoD/aerospace exposure a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop structural components and assemblies for UAV platform structures.
• Lead design lifecycle from conceptual development to drawing release.
• Perform hand calculations with limited FEA under guidance.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams.
• Support structural validation including coupon and system-level testing.
• Create design docs, drawings, and interface definitions per aerospace standards.
• Work with manufacturing and flight test teams to resolve build issues.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback.
• Continuously improve structural layouts, joints, tolerancing, and optimization.

Skills

CAD tools

FEA

GD&T

Aerospace structures

Composite structures

Load paths

Education

Bachelors in ME/Aerospace

MS in Aerospace or ME

Security clearance desired

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

Shield AI in the United States is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to lead structural components for its next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will design from concept through production release and collaborate across aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams.

Ideal candidates hold an MS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years in aircraft structures, and experience with composites, metals, DFMA, GD&T, and FEA tools such as ANSYS or Abaqus.