Senior Aerostructures Engineer for UAV Platforms

Shield AI; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to support the development of structural components for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. As a key contributor on the Mechanical Engineering team, you will design and develop high-performance structural components from concept through production release.

You’ll work cross-functionally to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft structural design.
• Experience releasing structural components in development or production environments.
• Knowledge of composite and metallic structures, fasteners, bonded joints, and load paths.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stackups, and DFMA principles.
• Strong written and verbal technical communication.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR clearance is desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop structural components and assemblies for Shield AI’s next-generation UAV platform, supporting both primary and secondary aircraft structures.
• Execute all stages of the design lifecycle including conceptual development, initial CAD modeling, detailed design, and drawing release.
• Perform hand calculations for stress or strain with limited basic FEA analysis, with guidance from senior engineers as needed.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams to support system integration across airframe interfaces.
• Support structural validation efforts including coupon testing, subcomponent testing, and system-level verification.
• Generate high-quality design documentation, drawings, interface definitions, and analysis reports in compliance with aerospace standards.
• Partner with manufacturing and flight test teams to resolve build issues and support hardware through test and deployment.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions, presenting work clearly and incorporating feedback effectively.
• Continuously improve personal technical depth in structural layout, joints, fasteners, tolerancing, and structural optimization.

Skills

Strong communication

Hands-on design

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

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

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to support the development of structural components for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. As a key contributor on the Mechanical Engineering team, you will design and develop high-performance structural components from concept through production release.

You’ll work cross-functionally to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built