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Shield AIShield AIDallas, TX

Staff Engineer, Structural Designer (R4937)

Design and develop complex structural and mechanical systems for autonomous UAV launch and recovery vehicles, owning the full design process from concept through production. Requires 7+ years of mechanism design experience, strong NX CAD and FEA skills, and a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

130k – 200k
On-site7+ YOEHardware Engineering

About the role

What you'll do

  • Design complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system
  • Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
  • Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
  • Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
  • Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams
  • Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing on the pathway to production and field deployment
  • Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems
  • Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles
  • Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
  • Kinematic analysis and optimization
  • Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
  • FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
  • GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
  • Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
  • Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
  • A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
  • Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
  • Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
  • Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
  • MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
  • Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments

Skills

CADNxKinematic AnalysisFea (Finite Element Analysis)Modal AnalysisNon-Linear AnalysisBuckling AnalysisFatigue AnalysisGD&TTolerance Stack-UpsMaterials Selection

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