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Shield AIShield AIDallas, TX

Staff Engineer, Structural Design (R4955)

Design and develop structural components for next-generation autonomous UAVs from concept through production, working cross-functionally with aerodynamics, propulsion, and manufacturing teams. Requires 7+ years aircraft structural design experience and proficiency in CAD and aerospace structures.

130k – 200k
On-site7+ YOEHardware Engineering

About the role

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • Collaborate 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

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
  • 7+ 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

Nice-to-Haves

  • 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&TDfmaFEAAnsysAbaqusNastranComposite StructuresMetallic Structures
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