Shield AI - Principal Loads Engineer (R3263)

• Own and define the full-vehicle loads and aeroelastic analysis strategy from clean-sheet development through production and flight test • Establish and govern aerodynamic and structural load envelopes, including maneuver, gust, landing, ground, and mission-driven load cases • Lead both quasi-static and dynamic loads analyses, including transient and coupled aeroelastic assessments • Serve as the technical authority for V-n diagrams, load factors, and structural load path definition across the aircraft • Define and review loads modeling approaches using NASTRAN, FEMAP, MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or equivalent environments • Drive aeroelastic stability evaluations including divergence, flutter, control reversal, and load alleviation strategies • Partner closely with Aero and GNC teams to ensure loads assumptions align with flight control laws, mission profiles, and aircraft performance objectives • Establish traceability standards across loads models, ICDs, FEA inputs, and certification artifacts • Define and oversee loads correlation strategy, including strain gauge placement, instrumentation planning, and in-flight data reconciliation • Review and approve loads deliverables for design reviews, compliance documentation, and executive technical decision forums • Mentor and technically guide loads and aeroelastic engineers across the organization • Develop and standardize loads methodologies, automation frameworks, and internal tools to scale capability across programs • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field • 12+ years of experience performing aircraft loads and aeroelastic analysis on manned or unmanned platforms • Demonstrated technical leadership on complex aerospace programs, including ownership of loads strategy or methodology • Deep expertise in aerodynamic loads derivation, flight envelope development, and structural load path definition • Advanced proficiency with industry-standard loads and FEA tools (NASTRAN, FEMAP, ANSYS, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, or equivalent) • Strong understanding of aeroelastic stability phenomena including flutter, divergence, and control reversal • Extensive experience supporting both structural design and flight test with validated load predictions • Experience presenting loads rationale and technical tradeoffs to senior engineering leadership • Excellent cross-functional collaboration and technical communication skills • Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline • Experience on UAV, eVTOL, or tactical military aircraft programs • Familiarity with MIL-A-8860, FAR Part 23/25, or other certification loads standards • Experience developing load alleviation strategies or adaptive control-informed loads methodologies • Track record of building internal tools, automation pipelines, or standardized loads frameworks