Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer/Aerostructures Lead (R2977)
Dallas Metro Area / San Diego Metro Area
Aircraft Division – Mechanical /
Full Time Employee /
On-site
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer or Aerostructures Lead to lead the development of primary and secondary structural systems for next-generation autonomous aircraft. In this role, you will drive the design, analysis, testing, and integration of advanced aerostructures, ensuring they meet stringent performance, weight, and durability requirements while enabling the mission-critical capabilities of our platforms.
This leadership role demands extensive expertise in aircraft structural design, strong proficiency in composite and metallic materials, and a proven track record of delivering innovative aerostructures solutions within the aerospace industry.
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of autonomous aviation, leveraging your expertise to design innovative aerostructures that will push the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace engineering.
What you'll do:
- Lead the conceptual design of new airframes
- Lead the development of primary and secondary aircraft structural components, assemblies, and installations utilizing composite materials and metallics for new aircraft designs
- Coach and mentor structural design engineers and guide the team through project completion
- Ensure designs meet manufacturability, cost and supply chain requirements necessary to scale at volume
- Drive integration of development tools into Siemens digital development environment
- Provide on-site support for manufacturing, integration, and assembly of aircraft components.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in aircraft structural design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior technical role.
- Expertise in composite and metallic structural systems, including design for manufacturability and repairability.
- Strong knowledge of structural analysis principles, including kinematics, dynamics, and load path optimization.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks) and analysis software (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS).
- Experience with certification processes and airworthiness standards (FAA Part 23/25 or equivalent).
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with advanced manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing and automated fiber placement (AFP).
- Hands-on experience with structural testing, including static, fatigue, and environmental testing.
- Familiarity with aerodynamic performance and its interaction with structural design.
$193,578 - $290,368 a year
The posted salary range reflects multiple levels within the role, allowing us to align the position with the candidate's experience and expertise.
#LI-JW2
#LF
Full-time regular employee offer package:
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 but not limited to 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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
