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Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis - Ranger (R6369)

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - Aerostructures
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Seattle, WA$210k - $320kFull Time EmployeePosted 4d ago

About the role

Senior-level structural engineer providing advanced technical leadership in structural analysis and validation of next-generation UAV platforms, overseeing analysis execution, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure structural integrity across development, flight test, and production.

Responsibilities

  • Lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components within a program scope.
  • Define and execute finite element modeling approaches, load cases, assumptions, and margin assessments.
  • Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses.
  • Establish sound practices for hand calculations, model validation, and analysis-to-test correlation.
  • Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
  • Support structural test strategy, including defining requirements, participating in execution, and correlating results to analysis.
  • Review structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews.
  • Mentor and technically guide structural analysts across varying experience levels.
  • Partner cross-functionally with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams to balance structural requirements with overall aircraft performance goals.
  • Contribute to evolving analysis methodologies and improving structural standards within the organization.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems.
  • Strong expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
  • Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
  • Significant experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
  • Experience supporting structural testing, model correlation, and flight test validation.
  • Ability to lead complex technical workstreams and influence design decisions within a program.
  • Strong communication skills and experience presenting analysis findings to engineering leadership.
  • Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Skills

Required:Finite Element Analysis (FEA)Hand CalculationsComposite StructuresStructural Testing & Validation

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 are 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

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

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