Shield AI
Defense-tech
StaffAerostructuresDesignEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer at Shield AI. Skills: Aerostructures design, Structural components, Aircraft structures. Design and develop structural components and assemblies. Support primary and secondary aircraft structures”
Industry & Context.
Failure analysis
Security clearance
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline, 8+ years of experience in aircraft structural design or closely related aerospace structures, Experience designing and releasing structural components in development or production environments, Working knowledge of composite and metallic structures, including fasteners, bonded joints, and load paths, Proficiency in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar), Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stackups, and DFMA principles, Written and verbal technical communication skills, Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership engineering environments
Nice to Have
M.S. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Experience supporting UAV, DoD, or aerospace vehicle programs, Familiarity with aerospace standards (MIL-STD, ASME Y14.5, FAA), Experience supporting hardware through test, failure analysis, and design iteration, Exposure to composite design and manufacturing methods, Experience using FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar) for linear structural analysis, Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance
What You'll Do.
Design and develop structural components and assemblies
Support primary and secondary aircraft structures
Execute conceptual development
Perform initial CAD modeling
Perform detailed design
Perform hand calculations for stress or strain
Perform basic FEA analysis
Collaborate with aerodynamics teams
Collaborate with propulsion teams
Collaborate with avionics teams
Collaborate with payload teams
Collaborate with manufacturing teams
Support system integration across airframe interfaces
Support structural validation efforts
Generate design documentation
Generate interface definitions
Generate analysis reports
Partner with manufacturing teams
Partner with flight test teams
Support hardware through test and deployment
Participate in design reviews
Participate in technical discussions
Incorporate feedback effectively
Continuously improve personal technical depth
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functionally; Mechanical Engineering team; Aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams; Manufacturing and flight test teams
Communication Scope
Technical communication; Presenting work
Full Job Description
## Description Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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: Shield AI is seeking a Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to support the development of structural components for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. As a key contributor on the Mechanical Engineering team, you will design and develop high-performance structural components from concept through production release. You’ll work cross-functionally to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and system integration across one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built today. This role is ideal for an aerospace mechanical engineer who thrives in hands-on design environments and is eager to take increasing ownership of flight-critical designs. ## What you'll do Design and develop structural components and assemblies for Shield AI’s next-generation UAV platform, supporting both primary and secondary aircraft structures. Execute all stages of the design lifecycle including conceptual development, initial CAD modeling, detailed design, and drawing release. Perform hand calculations for stress or strain with limited basic FEA analysis, with guidance from senior engineers as needed. Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams to support system integration across airframe interfaces. Support structural validation efforts including coupon testing, subcomponent testing, and system-level verification. Generate high-quality design documentation, drawings, interface definitions, and analysis rep
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