Senior Aerostructures Design Engineer, UAV Platform

Shield AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to lead the development of structural components for the next‑generation autonomous UAV platform. You will drive from concept through production release, ensuring structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across airframe interfaces.

You will collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams, perform hand calculations, and contribute to design reviews while advancing structural

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft structural design.
• Experience releasing structures in development/production environments.
• Knowledge of composite and metallic structures, fasteners, bonds, load paths.
• Proficient in CAD tools (NX/CATIA/SolidWorks).
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerancing, DFMA.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop structural components and assemblies for UAV platform structures.
• Lead the design lifecycle from concept to drawing release.
• Perform hand calculations with basic FEA guidance from seniors.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams.
• Support validation through testing and system verification.
• Generate design documentation and interface definitions per aerospace standards.
• Partner with manufacturing and flight test teams to resolve build issues.
• Present work in design reviews and incorporate feedback.
• Improve structural layout, joints, tolerancing, and optimization.

Education

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

8+ years of experience in aircraft structural design

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to lead the development of structural components for the next‑generation autonomous UAV platform. You will drive from concept through production release, ensuring structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across airframe interfaces.

You will collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams, perform hand calculations, and contribute to design reviews while advancing structural