Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis (R4722)

Shield AI; United States; On-site; USD 173,080 - 259,620; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in the United States is seeking a Senior Staff Structural Analyst to lead structural analysis for UAV platforms. Ideal candidates have 12-15+ years in aerospace engineering, with expertise in advanced FEA tools and composite materials. Responsibilities include defining analysis methodologies, overseeing structural tests, and mentoring engineers. Offered salary ranges from $173K to $259K annually, along with a competitive benefits package, including bonuses and equity options.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in structural analysis or aerospace systems.
• Experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
• Ability to lead complex technical workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes and critical components.
• Define and execute finite element modeling approaches.
• Establish practices for model validation and analysis-to-test correlation.

Skills

Structural analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Composite materials expertise

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

HyperWorks

Job description

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Structural Analyst to provide advanced technical leadership in the structural analysis and validation of next‑generation UAV platforms. In this role, you will serve as a senior subject‑matter expert for airframe structures, leading complex analysis efforts, supporting test correlation, and ensuring structural integrity across development, flight test, and production.

This role is ideal for engineers with 12–15+ years of experience who have led major structural workstreams on aerospace programs and are comfortable owning analysis execution, mentoring engineers, and influencing key design tradeoffs within a program.

What You’ll Do

• Lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components within a program scope.
• Define and execute finite element modeling approaches, load cases, assumptions, and margin assessments.
• Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage‑tolerance analyses.
• Establish sound practices for hand calculations, model validation, and analysis‑to‑test correlation.
• Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
• Support structural test strategy, including defining requirements, participating in execution, and correlating results to analysis.
• Review structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews.
• Mentor and technically guide structural analysts across varying experience levels.
• Partner cross‑functionally with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams to balance structural requirements with overall aircraft performance goals.
• Contribute to evolving analysis methodologies and improving structural standards within the organization.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems.
• Strong expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
• Significant experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
• Experience supporting structural testing, model correlation, and flight test validation.
• Ability to lead complex technical workstreams and influence design decisions within a program.
• Strong communication skills and experience presenting analysis findings to engineering leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience serving as a senior technical lead on aircraft or UAV structural programs.
• Hands‑on involvement in flight test support and certification efforts.
• Experience contributing to internal analysis standards or best practices.
• Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and enterprise engineering toolchains.

Salary and Benefits

$173,080 - $259,620 a year.

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

AI Usage in Hiring Process

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.