Staff Loads Engineer (R4954)

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Loads Engineer to lead aerodynamic and structural load analyses for next-gen air vehicles. You will own load envelopes, execute quasi-static and dynamic campaigns, and ensure traceability across ICDs and FEA models while coordinating with GNC, aero, and structural teams.

The role requires 8+ years of loads/aeroelastic experience, proficiency with FEMAP/NASTRAN/MATLAB, and a strong understanding of flight envelopes and control effects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of loads and aeroelastic analysis experience for aircraft (manned or unmanned).
• Proficiency with loads modeling tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, or Python/Simulink.
• Strong understanding of flight envelopes, control surface effects, and structural load paths.
• Experience supporting design and test phases with accurate load predictions.
• Excellent documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own development of aerodynamic and structural load envelopes for the full vehicle, from concept through flight test.
• Lead maneuver, gust, landing, and ground loads analyses including quasi-static and dynamic cases.
• Coordinate with GNC, aero, and structural teams to define loads tied to mission profiles.
• Develop and validate loads models using tools like FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, or Python/Simulink.
• Support sizing and analysis of critical structural components via load maps and V-n diagrams.
• Conduct aeroelastic stability assessments including divergence and control reversal checks.
• Lead traceability of loads inputs/outputs across ICDs, FEA models, and design documentation.
• Interface with test engineering to support strain gauge placement and data correlation.
• Prepare loads documentation for reviews, compliance, and buy-in.
• Ambition to refine loads methodologies and automation across the aerostructures team.

Skills

Aeroelastic theory

Loads derivation

Flight envelope knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation and communication

Loads modeling tools

Education

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

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

MATLAB

Python/Simulink

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

As a Staff Loads Engineer, you will lead the generation and analysis of structural and aerodynamic load cases that define the mechanical environment for the next-gen air vehicle. You’ll play a key role in shaping how loads flow through the aircraft structure—supporting structural sizing, airworthiness, aeroelastic stability, and flight performance.

This is a highly cross-functional role requiring deep technical knowledge of aeroelastic theory, loads derivation, and flight vehicle behavior. You’ll collaborate closely with structural design, aero, GNC, and test engineering teams to ensure load paths are accurate, traceable, and validated through test or simulation.

• Own the development of aerodynamic and structural load envelopes for the full vehicle, from clean-sheet through flight test
• Lead maneuver, gust, landing, and ground loads analyses, including both quasi-static and dynamic cases
• Coordinate closely with GNC, aero, and structural teams to define load cases tied to mission profiles and flight control behaviors
• Develop and validate loads models using tools like NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB, or custom Python/Simulink scripts
• Support the sizing and analysis of critical structural components through detailed load maps and V-n diagrams
• Conduct aeroelastic stability assessments, including divergence and control reversal checks
• Lead traceability of loads inputs/outputs across ICDs, FEA models, and design justification documents
• Interface with test engineering to support strain gauge placement, instrumentation plans, and correlation of in-flight data
• Author and present loads documentation for reviews, compliance, and technical buy-in
• Support the long-term refinement of loads methodologies and automation across the aerostructures team
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years experience performing loads and aeroelastic analysis for aircraft (manned or unmanned)
• Proficiency with loads modeling tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, or other relevant simulation environments
• Strong understanding of aircraft flight envelopes, control surface effects, and structural load paths
• Demonstrated experience supporting both design and test phases with accurate load predictions
• Excellent documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills
• Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
• Experience on UAV, eVTOL, or tactical military platforms
• Familiarity with MIL-A-8860, FAR Part 23/25 loads regulations, or similar certification standards
• Knowledge of aeroelastic stability, load alleviation, and adaptive control
• Experience developing internal tools or automation for loads generation and reporting
• Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to 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.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal 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.