Staff Loads Engineer – Lead Aircraft Load Analysis

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Loads Engineer to lead generation and analysis of structural and aerodynamic load cases for next‑generation air vehicles. The role will shape how loads flow through aircraft structures, supporting sizing, airworthiness, aeroelastic stability and flight performance.

Key responsibilities

• Own 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 quasi‑static and dynamic cases.
• Coordinate with GNC, aero and structural teams to define load cases tied to mission profiles.
• Develop and validate load models using NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB, or custom Python/Simulink scripts.
• Support 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.

Required profile

• 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).
• Demonstrated experience supporting both design and test phases with accurate load predictions.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance (desired).
• Excellent documentation, cross‑functional collaboration and communication skills.

Required skills

• FEMAP
• NASTRAN
• MATLAB
• Python
• Simulink
• Aeroelastic analysis