# Senior Engineer, Structural Analysis
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Diego, CA, Dallas, TX
**Salary:** $110K-$160K
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** FEA, Ansys, Nastran, Hyperworks, Finite Element Modeling, Composite Materials, MATLAB, Python, Mechanical Testing, Aircraft Loads Analysis
**Posted:** 2026-06-12
> Perform structural analysis and testing for advanced UAV airframes using FEA, hand calculations, and mechanical testing to ensure integrity, weight, and safety requirements.
## Job Description
## What you'll do
- Assist in building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components.
- Perform static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability.
- Conduct hand calculations to validate FEA results, ensuring accuracy and structural reliability.
- Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength, and manufacturability.
- Support the development of test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration, and shock testing.
- Analyze flight telemetry and structural test data to improve modeling accuracy and correlate predictions with real-world performance.
- Assist in defining load cases, material properties, and design margins for UAV airframe and mechanical components.
- Document and present structural analysis reports and technical recommendations to engineering teams.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural requirements align with system performance goals.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural analysis methodologies, tools, and best practices.

## Required qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling, or aircraft loads analysis.
- Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
- Strong ability to perform hand calculations for structural strength, stability, and fatigue analysis.
- Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures.
- Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (static, vibration, and fatigue).
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar).
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

## Preferred qualifications
- Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience in aircraft structural design, UAV airframe development, or aerospace testing.
- Hands-on experience with structural testing, modal analysis, or composite modeling.
- Exposure to CAD software (NX, SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar).
- Understanding of aerospace industry standards, structural certification processes, and material selection.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-engineer-structural-analysis-at-shield-ai-e76827b6-8513-478c-9966-8e23ad16fecc
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