Senior UAV Structural Analyst — FEA & Testing

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Equity options

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Sr. Structural Analyst to support analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will work with Mechanical Systems, Propulsion, Mechanisms, and other disciplines to ensure airframe structural integrity, optimizing weight, strength, and safety.

This role targets 5+ years in structural analysis with FE modeling, familiarity with composite/metallic materials, and hands-on structural testing in a fast-paced aerospace environment. Security clearance is desired.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling, or aircraft loads analysis.
• Experience with FEA tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, ANSYS, Patran, or similar).
• Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (static, vibration, and/or fatigue).
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate 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

Structural analysis

Finite element modeling

Aircraft loads analysis

Team collaboration

Data analysis tools

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

HyperWorks

ANSYS

Patran

NX

Catia

SolidWorks

Teamcenter

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Sr. Structural Analyst to support analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will work with Mechanical Systems, Propulsion, Mechanisms, and other disciplines to ensure airframe structural integrity, optimizing weight, strength, and safety.

This role targets 5+ years in structural analysis with FE modeling, familiarity with composite/metallic materials, and hands-on structural testing in a fast-paced aerospace environment. Security clearance is desired.