← All roles

Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5160)

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - Aerostructures
Apply on company site
Seattle, WA$160k - $240kFull Time EmployeePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer to support development of structural components for Shield AI’s next-generation autonomous aircraft, from concept through production release, collaborating across aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop structural components and assemblies for Shield AI’s next-generation UAV platform, supporting both primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Execute all stages of the design lifecycle including conceptual development, initial CAD modeling, detailed design, and drawing release.
  • Perform hand calculations for stress or strain with limited basic FEA analysis, with guidance from senior engineers as needed.
  • Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams to support system integration across airframe interfaces.
  • Support structural validation efforts including coupon testing, subcomponent testing, and system-level verification.
  • Generate high-quality design documentation, drawings, interface definitions, and analysis reports in compliance with aerospace standards.
  • Partner with manufacturing and flight test teams to resolve build issues and support hardware through test and deployment.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions, presenting work clearly and incorporating feedback effectively.
  • Continuously improve personal technical depth in structural layout, joints, fasteners, tolerancing, and structural optimization.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience in aircraft structural design or closely related aerospace structures.
  • Experience designing and releasing structural components in development or production environments.
  • Working knowledge of composite and metallic structures, including fasteners, bonded joints, and load paths.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar).
  • Understanding of GD&T, tolerance stackups, and DFMA principles.
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, high-ownership engineering environments
  • Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Skills

Required:Structural designCAD (NX/CATIA/SolidWorks)Stress analysis / hand calculationsComposite and metallic structuresGD&T and DFMATechnical communication

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
  • Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location
  • All offers contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
  • Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Shield AI