Structural Analysis Engineer II — UAV Airframes

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Engineer II, Structural Analysis to support the structural analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will collaborate with Mechanical, Systems, Propulsion, and Aerospace engineers to ensure airframe integrity and optimize structures for weight and strength.

This role targets engineers with 2+ years of experience in FEA, composites, testing, and loads analysis within a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 2+ years in structural analysis, FEM, or aircraft loads.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks).
• Proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue; data analysis skills.

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

FEA analysis

Hand calculations

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Security clearance

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

HyperWorks

NX/SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an Engineer II, Structural Analysis to support the structural analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. You will collaborate with Mechanical, Systems, Propulsion, and Aerospace engineers to ensure airframe integrity and optimize structures for weight and strength.

This role targets engineers with 2+ years of experience in FEA, composites, testing, and loads analysis within a fast-paced aerospace environment.