Structural Analysis Engineer II (UAV Airframes)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company developing autonomous aircraft such as V-BAT and X-BAT, is hiring an Engineer II, Structural Analysis in Seattle. The engineer supports the structural analysis and testing of advanced UAVs, working with Mechanical, Systems, Propulsion and Aerospace engineers to ensure the structural integrity of lightweight, high-performance aircraft. The role suits engineers with 2+ years of experience who want to develop expertise in finite element analysis, composite materials, mechanical testing and aircraft loads analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Build and refine finite element models to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components.
• Perform static, modal, fatigue and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation and durability.
• Carry out hand calculations to validate FEA results.
• Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength and manufacturability.
• Support test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration and shock testing.
• Analyze flight telemetry and structural test data to improve model accuracy.
• Help define load cases, material properties and design margins.
• Document and present structural analysis reports and technical recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and help improve structural analysis methods and tools.

Required profile

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling or aircraft loads analysis.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks or similar).
• Strong hand calculation skills for strength, stability and fatigue analysis.
• Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (static, vibration, fatigue).
• Data analysis proficiency (Excel, MATLAB, Python or similar).
• Security clearance at S//SAR level 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.
• CAD software (NX, SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar).
• Understanding of aerospace industry standards, structural certification and material selection.