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Shield AIShield AISan Diego, CA

Engineer I, Aerostructures Design

Design and develop structural components and assemblies for next-generation autonomous UAVs from concept through production. Requires 0-2 years experience, CAD proficiency, knowledge of composites/metallics, and a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

76k – 114k/yr
On-siteEntry levelHardware Engineering

About the role

What you'll do

  • Design and develop structural components and assemblies for 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 reports in compliance with aerospace standards.
  • Partner with manufacturing and flight test teams to resolve build issues and support hardware through test and deployment.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions, presenting work clearly and incorporating feedback effectively.
  • Continuously improve personal technical depth in structural layout, joints, fasteners, tolerancing, and structural optimization.

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 0-2 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.
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership engineering environments.
  • Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications

  • 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.

Skills

CADNxCATIASolidworksGD&TDfmaFEAAnsysAbaqusNastranCompositesMetallic StructuresAerospace Standards
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