Staff Loads and Dynamics Analyst (RX)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company, is hiring a Staff Loads and Dynamics Analyst (RX) in Dallas. The role leads the generation and analysis of structural and aerodynamic load cases that define the mechanical environment of the next-generation air vehicle, supporting structural sizing, airworthiness, aeroelastic stability and flight performance. It is a highly cross-functional position working with structural design, aero, GNC and test engineering teams.

Key responsibilities

• Own the 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 and flight control behaviors.
• Develop and validate loads models using tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB or custom Python/Simulink scripts.
• Support sizing and analysis of critical structural components through load maps and V-n diagrams.
• Conduct aeroelastic stability assessments, including divergence and control reversal checks.
• Lead traceability of loads inputs and outputs across ICDs, FEA models and design justification documents.
• Work with test engineering on strain gauge placement, instrumentation plans and in-flight data correlation.
• Author and present loads documentation for reviews, compliance and technical buy-in, and help refine loads methodologies and automation.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of 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 is desired.

Required skills

• Proficiency with loads modeling tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB or other simulation environments.
• Strong understanding of aircraft flight envelopes, control surface effects and structural load paths.
• Excellent documentation, cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Preferred: experience on UAV, eVTOL or tactical military platforms; familiarity with MIL-A-8860, FAR Part 23/25 loads regulations or similar standards; knowledge of aeroelastic stability, load alleviation and adaptive control; experience building internal tools or automation for loads generation and reporting; active or former DoD clearance.