# Staff Loads Engineer (R4722)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX, San Diego, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $137k – $205k/yr
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** Nastran, Femap, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, Aeroelastic Analysis, Loads Analysis, FEA, Gnc, V-N Diagrams
**Posted:** 2025-06-20

> Leads development and analysis of aerodynamic and structural loads for next-gen air vehicles, including maneuver, gust, and ground loads. Collaborates with aero, GNC, and structural teams; requires 8+ years experience and proficiency in NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB.

## Job Description

## What you'll do
- Own the development of aerodynamic and structural load envelopes for the full vehicle, from clean-sheet through flight test
- Lead maneuver, gust, landing, and ground loads analyses, including both quasi-static and dynamic cases
- Coordinate closely with GNC, aero, and structural teams to define load cases tied to mission profiles and flight control behaviors
- Develop and validate loads models using tools like **NASTRAN**, **FEMAP**, **MATLAB**, or custom **Python**/**Simulink** scripts
- Support the sizing and analysis of critical structural components through detailed load maps and V-n diagrams
- Conduct aeroelastic stability assessments, including divergence and control reversal checks
- Lead traceability of loads inputs/outputs across ICDs, FEA models, and design justification documents
- Interface with test engineering to support strain gauge placement, instrumentation plans, and correlation of in-flight data
- Author and present loads documentation for reviews, compliance, and technical buy-in
- Support the long-term refinement of loads methodologies and automation across the aerostructures team

## Required qualifications
- **Bachelor’s** or **Master’s** degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- **8+ years** experience performing loads and aeroelastic analysis for aircraft (manned or unmanned)
- Proficiency with loads modeling tools such as **FEMAP**, **NASTRAN**, **MATLAB**, or other relevant simulation environments
- Strong understanding of aircraft flight envelopes, control surface effects, and structural load paths
- Demonstrated experience supporting both design and test phases with accurate load predictions
- Excellent documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills

## Preferred qualifications
- Experience on UAV, eVTOL, or tactical military platforms
- Familiarity with **MIL-A-8860**, **FAR Part 23/25** loads regulations, or similar certification standards
- Knowledge of aeroelastic stability, load alleviation, and adaptive control
- Experience developing internal tools or automation for loads generation and reporting
- Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)

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