Structural Design Engineer (R2786)

Introduction to Shield AIFounded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

Job Description:Are you a visionary Mechanical Engineer with a flair for structural design? Do you thrive on turning ideas into groundbreaking products that make a difference? If so, we want you on our team! We are looking for an experienced Aircraft Structural Design Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of designing and optimizing structural components and systems for cutting-edge aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Your contributions will be critical in advancing the capabilities of our intelligent systems used in high-stakes defense applications.

What you'll do:

• Develop innovative structural designs for aircraft and UAVs, focusing on airframes, support structures, and load-bearing components.
• Utilize advanced CAD software to create detailed models and drawings, ensuring all designs meet specified requirements.
• Perform structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to evaluate performance under various conditions and loads.
• Create and execute comprehensive testing plans to validate the strength, durability, and performance of structural components.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and environmental testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Diagnose and resolve structural issues, utilizing both experimental data and analytical methods.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing, to ensure cohesive and efficient designs.
• Coordinate with the electrical and systems engineering teams to integrate structural components seamlessly into overall system designs.
• Engage in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve design processes and outcomes.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and test results.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulatory standards and industry best practices, such as FAA and MIL-STD requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of design changes, test procedures, and product iterations.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and structural design methodologies.
• Propose and implement design optimizations to enhance performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Participate in R&D initiatives to explore new technologies and innovative solutions for structural challenges.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in structural design and analysis within the aerospace or defense industries.
• Strong understanding of commonly used materials and carbon fiber composites & their mechanical/thermal behavior.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• In-depth knowledge of materials science, structural mechanics, and aerodynamics.
• Experience with validation testing and compliance with aerospace standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
• Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes

Preferred qualifications:

• M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Leadership experience on a project team
• Problem solving skills including root cause investigation, failure analysis, and DOE
• Experience using Siemens NX
• Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
• Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings
• Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.