Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer/Aerostructures Lead

A venture-backed defense technology company founded in 2015, developing intelligent autonomous systems for protecting service members and civilians.
$193,578 - $290,368
Embedded
Principal Software Engineer
In-Person
10+ years of experience
AI · Robotics · Space

Description For Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer/Aerostructures Lead

Shield AI, a pioneering defense technology company founded in 2015, is seeking a Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer to lead their next-generation autonomous aircraft development. This strategic role offers an opportunity to shape the future of autonomous defense systems through innovative structural design and integration.

The position demands expertise in aerospace engineering, combining technical leadership with hands-on experience in aircraft structural design. You'll be responsible for developing lightweight, durable, and mission-adaptable aerostructures, working from concept through to production. The role involves leading the structural design architecture for next-generation UAVs, overseeing both composite and metallic structures development, and optimizing for performance, weight, and manufacturability.

As a technical mentor and design authority, you'll collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems engineering. The position offers the chance to work with cutting-edge simulation-driven design workflows and validation methodologies, while ensuring designs meet rigorous airworthiness and mission safety standards.

Shield AI offers competitive compensation ($193,578 - $290,368) plus bonus, benefits, and equity. With offices across the globe and a mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent autonomous systems, this role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful defense technology advancement while working with state-of-the-art autonomous systems.

Last updated 2 days ago

Responsibilities For Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer/Aerostructures Lead

  • Lead structural design architecture for next-gen UAV
  • Oversee development of composite and metallic structures
  • Act as technical mentor and design authority
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams
  • Integrate simulation-driven design workflows
  • Provide hands-on support to prototype builds
  • Drive adoption of model-based development
  • Partner with supply chain and manufacturing
  • Lead design reviews and failure investigations

Requirements For Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer/Aerostructures Lead

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in aircraft structural design, with at least 3 years in technical leadership
  • Expertise in composite and metallic airframe structures
  • In-depth understanding of structural analysis
  • Proficiency in CAD and familiarity with FEA tools
  • Experience with certification processes and airworthiness standards
  • Track record of delivering structurally sound airframes

Benefits For Principal Aircraft Structures Design Engineer/Aerostructures Lead

Medical Insurance
Equity
  • Bonus
  • Benefits Package
  • Equity

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