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Shield AIShield AIDallas, TX

Director, Structures - Design

Lead the aerostructures organization for the X-BAT autonomous aircraft program, overseeing design, analysis, integration, testing, and certification of composite and metallic primary structures from prototype through production. Requires 12+ years aerospace structural engineering experience with proven team leadership and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

210k – 320k
Remote12+ YOEHardware Engineering

About the role

What you'll do:

  • Lead the aerostructures organization for the X-BAT program, including design, analysis, integration, testing, and certification strategy
  • Drive development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures optimized for autonomous combat aircraft operations
  • Partner closely with flight sciences, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, autonomy, flight test, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated aircraft solutions
  • Establish engineering processes, design standards, configuration management, and structural development roadmaps across the program lifecycle
  • Lead structural trade studies balancing weight, performance, cost, producibility, maintainability, and mission requirements
  • Oversee development and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures, including primary load-bearing assemblies
  • Build and mentor a world-class aerostructures engineering team capable of rapid execution and technical excellence
  • Support transition from development programs into scalable production environments
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for structural, manufacturing, and flight-test findings
  • Present technical reviews, program risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 12+ years of aerospace structural engineering experience, including leadership responsibility on advanced aircraft programs
  • Deep expertise in aircraft primary structures, composites, metallic design, structural analysis, and integration
  • Experience leading teams through full aircraft development cycles from conceptual design through flight test and production
  • Strong understanding of aircraft loads, stress analysis, fatigue, durability, and structural substantiation methodologies
  • Experience collaborating across highly integrated aerospace development organizations
  • Proven ability to recruit, develop, and scale high-performing engineering teams
  • Experience operating in fast-paced development environments with aggressive technical schedules
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
  • Experience with autonomous aircraft, tactical aviation, unmanned systems, or defense aerospace platforms
  • Expertise in composite airframe manufacturing and high-rate production methodologies
  • Background supporting low observable, survivability, or expeditionary aircraft design considerations
  • Familiarity with military airworthiness standards and defense acquisition environments
  • Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions in venture-backed or high-growth aerospace organizations

Skills

Aerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAircraft Primary StructuresComposite StructuresMetallic StructuresStructural AnalysisStress AnalysisFatigue AnalysisAircraft LoadsStructural SubstantiationConfiguration ManagementAirworthiness Certification

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