Senior Engineer, Structural Analyst (R6027)
Seattle · San Diego · Dallas · USD 110,000-210,000 / year · 3+ years experience · Onsite · Posted Sep 24, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 3+ years experience
- Workplace
- Onsite
- Location
- Seattle · San Diego · Dallas
- Salary
- USD 110,000-210,000 / year
About the role
- Shield AI is seeking a Senior Engineer, Structural Analyst to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components and optimize airframe structures.
- The role involves performing static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability.
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.
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 a 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.
Preferred qualifications
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
- 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
Benefits
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
- Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees)
Skills
- FEM
- FEA
- FEMAP
- NASTRAN
- HyperWorks
- ANSYS
- Patran
- Excel
- MATLAB
- Python
- NX
- Catia
Show all 14 skills
- SolidWorks
- Teamcenter
