applinity
Sign inGet started
Get started

Staff Loads and Dynamics Analyst (RX) (R5841)

at Shield AI

Location

Dallas, Texas; Washington, D.C.

Compensation

$145k–$220k USD

Type

full time

Posted

2 weeks ago

Save to queue

Market range · company + function + seniority

$171k—$240k—$280k

p25 · target · p75 · n=24

Posted $220k · in the market band

Tailor your résumé to this role in 30 seconds.

Free account · ATS keyword check · per-job bullet rewrite by Claude.

Tailor my résuméApply on company site

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
As a Staff Loads Engineer, you will lead the generation and analysis of structural and aerodynamic load cases that define the mechanical environment for the next-gen air vehicle. You’ll play a key role in shaping how loads flow through the aircraft structure—supporting structural sizing, airworthiness, aeroelastic stability, and flight performance.
 
This is a highly cross-functional role requiring deep technical knowledge of aeroelastic theory, loads derivation, and flight vehicle behavior. You’ll collaborate closely with structural design, aero, GNC, and test engineering teams to ensure load paths are accurate, traceable, and validated through test or simulation.

What you'll do:

  • 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

    • Required qualifications:

  • 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
  • Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

    • Preferred qualifications:

  • 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)
    • #LI-MS2
    #LD

    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.
     
    ###
     
    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. 

    More open roles at Shield AI

    Hiring velocity, headcount trend, and every open posting on one page.

    View Shield AI profile →
    VisaShield AI sponsors H-1B — read the guide

    Similar roles

    Open postings ranked by description similarity — useful if this role isn't quite right.