Senior Structural Design Engineer (Dallas)

13 Minutes ago • 5 Years + • Software Development & Engineering • $110,400 PA - $165,600 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Structural Design Engineer to lead the development of structural components for next-generation autonomous aircraft. This role involves owning the entire structural design lifecycle, from concept to production, focusing on primary and secondary aircraft structures. The engineer will utilize FEA tools for analysis, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for seamless integration, and support material selection. Responsibilities also include leading design reviews, overseeing validation testing, guiding documentation, and mentoring junior engineers, contributing to advanced autonomous aircraft platforms.
Must have:
  • Lead design and development of structural components and assemblies for UAV platforms
  • Own the structural design lifecycle including concept generation, CAD modeling, detail design, and drawing release
  • Use FEA tools to perform and guide linear and nonlinear structural analysis, stress analysis, and margin assessment
  • Work closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams for seamless system integration
  • Support and lead efforts in material selection, focusing on composites, aluminum alloys, and advanced manufacturing
  • Participate in and lead design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums
  • Oversee the design and execution of structural validation testing
  • Guide the development of design documentation, analysis reports, interface definitions, and verification plans
  • Mentor junior engineers and review team members’ work for technical rigor, performance, and manufacturability
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and flight test teams to transition designs from engineering to production
  • Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in aircraft structural design
  • Deep understanding of composite and metallic structures, including material behavior, joints, and thermal/environmental effects
  • Expertise in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar)
  • Experience conducting or overseeing stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and design optimization
  • Strong working knowledge of DFMA, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and structural layout principles
  • Clear, concise technical communication skills and experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts
  • A track record of technical excellence, high ownership, and a mission-driven mindset
Good to have:
  • M.S. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
  • Experience supporting Group 3-5 UAV, DoD aircraft, or high-performance aerospace vehicle programs
  • Knowledge of aerospace standards (MIL-STD, ASME Y14.5, FAA FARs) and certification pathways
  • Prior experience in flight vehicle integration, manufacturing liaison, or production support
  • Familiarity with model-based engineering, digital twin development, or configuration management tools
  • Demonstrated experience in failure analysis, design iteration, and test correlation
  • Previous work in startup, R&D, or high-growth defense environments
Perks:
  • Bonus
  • Benefits
  • Equity
  • Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees)

Job Details

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Structural Design Engineer to play a critical role in the development of structural components for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. As a senior member of the Mechanical Engineering team, you will own the design and development of high-performance structural systems, from clean-sheet concepts to production-ready hardware.

You’ll work across disciplines to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and mission-readiness in one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built today. This role is ideal for an experienced aerospace mechanical engineer who thrives in fast-paced, high-ownership environments and is passionate about building systems that matter.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the design and development of structural components and assemblies for Shield AI’s next-gen UAV platform, with a focus on primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Own the structural design lifecycle including concept generation, CAD modeling, detail design, and drawing release, ensuring high quality and traceability.
  • Use FEA tools to perform and guide linear and nonlinear structural analysis, stress analysis, and margin assessment under operational loads and edge cases.
  • Work closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, payload, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless system integration across airframe and subsystem interfaces.
  • Support and lead efforts in material selection, focusing on composites, aluminum alloys, and advanced manufacturing approaches suited to mission and environment.
  • Participate in and lead design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems.
  • Oversee the design and execution of structural validation testing, including coupon-level, subcomponent, and full-system testing.
  • Guide the development of design documentation, analysis reports, interface definitions, and verification plans in compliance with MIL-STD, FAA, and internal Shield AI standards.
  • Mentor junior engineers and review team members’ work for technical rigor, performance, and manufacturability.
  • Collaborate with the manufacturing and flight test teams to transition designs from engineering to production and field deployment.
  • Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in aircraft structural design, with demonstrated ownership of components or systems in development, test, or production.
  • Deep understanding of composite and metallic structures, including material behavior, joints, and thermal/environmental effects.
  • Expertise in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar).
  • Experience conducting or overseeing stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and design optimization.
  • Strong working knowledge of DFMA, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and structural layout principles.
  • Clear, concise technical communication skills and experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts.
  • A track record of technical excellence, high ownership, and a mission-driven mindset in challenging engineering environments.

Preferred qualifications:

  • M.S. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Experience supporting or leading Group 3-5 UAV, DoD aircraft, or high-performance aerospace vehicle programs.
  • Knowledge of aerospace standards (MIL-STD, ASME Y14.5, FAA FARs) and certification pathways.
  • Prior experience in flight vehicle integration, manufacturing liaison, or production support.
  • Familiarity with model-based engineering, digital twin development, or configuration management tools.
  • Demonstrated experience in failure analysis, design iteration, and test correlation.
  • Previous work in startup, R&D, or high-growth defense environments where agility and innovation are key.

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