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Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer Jobs

We are seeking a Structural Analysis Engineer to join our engineering team supporting the design ... Key Responsibilities • Perform structural analysis to evaluate aircraft components and assemblies ...

The Design Engineer 3 at AEVEX Aerospace is engaged in the design of aircraft structural and system ... Documents designs, analyses & test results with accurate and concise reports. * Interprets ...

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Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer information

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$43K

$103.5K

$192.5K

How much do aircraft structural analysis design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft structural analysis design engineer in the United States is $103,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aircraft structural analysis design engineer do?

An Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer is responsible for designing and analyzing the structural components of aircraft to ensure they are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations. They use engineering principles and software tools to evaluate stress, fatigue, and performance of various materials and structures. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, conducting tests, and making recommendations for improvements or modifications during the design and manufacturing processes.

What are the most common challenges faced by aircraft structural analysis design engineers during the development of new aircraft components?

Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineers often face challenges such as balancing weight reduction with structural integrity, meeting strict regulatory and safety standards, and integrating new materials or technologies into designs. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, manufacturing, and systems engineers—is crucial to ensure that the components are not only strong and lightweight but also manufacturable and maintainable. Time management and effective communication are essential, as design iterations can be frequent and must align with project timelines and certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft structural analysis design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, materials science, and structural analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as CATIA, NASTRAN, ANSYS, and familiarity with CAD and FEA software is essential, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design integrity. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aircraft structures.

What is the difference between Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer vs Aircraft Stress Analyst?

AspectAircraft Structural Analysis Design EngineerAircraft Stress Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like ASNT or NDT often preferredSimilar engineering degrees, often with specialized training in stress analysis and certifications in nondestructive testing
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, R&D labs, and manufacturing facilities within aerospace companiesTesting labs, analysis departments, and design teams in aerospace firms
Industry UsageInvolved in designing and analyzing aircraft structures for safety and performanceFocuses on analyzing stress and strain in aircraft components to ensure structural integrity

The Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer and Aircraft Stress Analyst roles overlap in education and industry environment, but the former emphasizes designing and analyzing aircraft structures, while the latter specializes in stress testing and analysis to verify structural safety. Both roles are essential in aerospace engineering for ensuring aircraft durability and safety.

What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer jobs?

For Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aircraft Structural Analysis Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,463 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Structural Analysis (R5173)

San Diego, CA

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$113K - $170K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


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:
Shield AI is seeking a Structural Analyst to support the structural analysis and testing of advanced UAVs. In this role, you will work closely with Mechanical, Systems, Propulsion, and Aerospace Engineers to ensure the structural integrity of our lightweight, high-performance aircraft. You will contribute to the design, analysis, testing, and optimization of airframe structures and components, ensuring they meet performance, weight, and safety requirements.
 
This role is ideal for engineers with 5+ years of experience looking to gain expertise in finite element analysis (FEA), composite materials, mechanical testing, and aircraft loads analysis in a fast-paced, high-tech aerospace environment.
What you'll do:
  • Assist in building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components.
  • Perform static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability.
  • Conduct hand calculations to validate FEA results, ensuring accuracy and structural reliability.
  • Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength, and manufacturability.
  • Support the development of test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration, and shock testing.
  • Analyze flight telemetry and structural test data to improve modeling accuracy and correlate predictions with real-world performance.
  • Assist in defining load cases, material properties, and design margins for UAV airframe and mechanical components.
  • Document and present structural analysis reports and technical recommendations to engineering teams.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural requirements align with system performance goals.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural analysis methodologies, tools, and best practices.
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modeling, or aircraft loads analysis.
  • Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
  • Strong ability to perform hand calculations for structural strength, stability, and fatigue analysis.
  • Knowledge of composite materials and lightweight aerospace structures.
  • Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (static, vibration, and fatigue).
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar).
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to get a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Experience in aircraft structural design, UAV airframe development, or aerospace testing.
  • Hands-on experience with structural testing, modal analysis, or composite modeling.
  • Exposure to CAD software (NX, SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Teamcenter or similar).
  • Understanding of aerospace industry standards, structural certification processes, and material selection.
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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. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.