Senior UAV Structural Analyst - FEA Expert | Equity & Benefits

Speedrun Talent Network; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Sr. Structural Analyst to support the analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will work closely with Mechanical Systems, Propulsion, Mechanisms, and other engineering disciplines to ensure the structural integrity of lightweight, high-performance aircraft.

The role emphasizes FEM, hand calculations, and validating predictions against test data. This position offers collaboration with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, considering weight, strength, and

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or MS with related experience.
• 3+ years experience with MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering option.
• Experience with FEA tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, ANSYS, Patran.
• Ability to perform hand calculations for structural strength and stability.
• Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (static, vibration, fatigue).
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components.
• Perform static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability.
• Conduct hand calculations to validate FEA results, ensuring accuracy and structural reliability.
• Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength, and manufacturability.
• Support the development of test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration, and shock testing.
• Analyze flight telemetry and structural test data to improve modeling accuracy and correlate predictions with real-world performance.
• Assist in defining load cases, material properties, and design margins for UAV airframe and mechanical components.
• Document and present structural analysis reports and technical recommendations to engineering teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural requirements align with system performance goals.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural analysis methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Skills

Finite element analysis

Structural analysis

Hand calculations

Composite materials

Mathematical modeling

Cross-functional teamwork

Security clearance

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

HyperWorks

ANSYS

Patran

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Sr. Structural Analyst to support the analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will work closely with Mechanical Systems, Propulsion, Mechanisms, and other engineering disciplines to ensure the structural integrity of lightweight, high-performance aircraft.

The role emphasizes FEM, hand calculations, and validating predictions against test data. This position offers collaboration with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, considering weight, strength, and