Shield AI · 10 hours ago
Principal Structural Analyst (R3263)
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$194K/yr - $291K/yr
12+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Principal Structural Analyst will provide technical leadership for the structural analysis and validation of advanced UAV platforms, guiding analysis strategy and mentoring engineers to ensure structural integrity throughout the aircraft lifecycle.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Lead structural analysis strategy for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components
Define and review finite element modeling approaches, assumptions, load cases, and margins
Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses
Establish best practices for hand calculations, correlation methods, and model validation
Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability
Own structural test strategy, including defining requirements, overseeing execution, and correlating results to analysis
Review and approve structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and certification artifacts
Mentor and technically guide senior and early-career structural analysts
Partner with cross-functional leads to balance structural requirements with system-level performance goals
Influence long-term architecture, materials selection, and structural design standards
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
12+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems
Deep expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar)
Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance
Extensive experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures
Strong background in structural testing, correlation, and certification support
Ability to operate as a technical authority and make high-impact engineering tradeoffs
Excellent communication skills and experience presenting to senior technical leadership
Preferred
Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Prior experience as a technical lead or subject-matter expert on aircraft or UAV programs
Hands-on involvement in flight test support and structural certification efforts
Experience defining organizational analysis standards and methodologies
Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and enterprise engineering toolchains
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