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Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-tech company, is seeking a Senior Structural Analyst to support the analysis and testing of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). You will work closely with Mechanical Systems, Propulsion, Mechanisms, and other engineering disciplines to ensure the structural integrity of lightweight, high-performance aircraft.
In this role, you will contribute to the design, analysis, testing, and optimization of airframe structures and components, ensuring they meet performance, weight, and safety requirements. Key responsibilities include:
• Building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate structural performance of UAV components
• Performing static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability
• Conducting hand calculations to validate FEA results and ensure structural reliability
• Working with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength, and manufacturability
• Supporting development of test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration, and shock testing
• Analyzing flight telemetry and structural test data to improve modeling accuracy and correlate predictions with real-world performance
• Assisting in defining load cases, material properties, and design margins for UAV airframe and mechanical components
• Documenting and presenting structural analysis reports and technical recommendations to engineering teams
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure structural requirements align with system performance goals
• Contributing to continuous improvement of structural analysis methodologies, tools, and best practices
Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide, with offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
REQUIREMENTS:
• 5+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling, or aircraft loads analysis AND B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; OR 3+ years of experience AND M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with FEA tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, ANSYS, Patran, or similar)
• Ability to perform hand calculations for structural strength and stability analysis
• 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
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance (desired)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in aircraft structural design, UAV airframe development, or aerospace testing
• Hands-on experience with structural testing
• Exposure to CAD software (NX, Catia, SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar)
• Understanding of aerospace industry standards, structural certification processes, and material selection
• Fatigue and damage tolerance (DaDT) experience including crack initiation and crack growth
