Shield AI · 8 hours ago
Staff Loads Engineer (R3263)
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$137K/yr - $205K/yr
8+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. As a Staff Loads Engineer, you will lead the generation and analysis of structural and aerodynamic load cases for next-gen air vehicles, ensuring accurate load paths and collaborating with various engineering teams.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Own the development of aerodynamic and structural load envelopes for the full vehicle, from clean-sheet through flight test
Lead maneuver, gust, landing, and ground loads analyses, including both quasi-static and dynamic cases
Coordinate closely with GNC, aero, and structural teams to define load cases tied to mission profiles and flight control behaviors
Develop and validate loads models using tools like NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB, or custom Python/Simulink scripts
Support the sizing and analysis of critical structural components through detailed load maps and V-n diagrams
Conduct aeroelastic stability assessments, including divergence and control reversal checks
Lead traceability of loads inputs/outputs across ICDs, FEA models, and design justification documents
Interface with test engineering to support strain gauge placement, instrumentation plans, and correlation of in-flight data
Author and present loads documentation for reviews, compliance, and technical buy-in
Support the long-term refinement of loads methodologies and automation across the aerostructures team
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
8+ years experience performing loads and aeroelastic analysis for aircraft (manned or unmanned)
Proficiency with loads modeling tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, or other relevant simulation environments
Strong understanding of aircraft flight envelopes, control surface effects, and structural load paths
Demonstrated experience supporting both design and test phases with accurate load predictions
Excellent documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills
Preferred
Experience on UAV, eVTOL, or tactical military platforms
Familiarity with MIL-A-8860, FAR Part 23/25 loads regulations, or similar certification standards
Knowledge of aeroelastic stability, load alleviation, and adaptive control
Experience developing internal tools or automation for loads generation and reporting
Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-11
Company data provided by crunchbase