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Airframe Structural Analysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation ... Support structural analysis activities by working closely with stress engineers on static, dynamic ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation ... Support structural analysis activities by working closely with stress engineers on static, dynamic ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sr Structural Engineer

Plano, TX · Hybrid

$96K - $130K/yr

As a Senior Structural Engineer, you will lead analysis for airframe design, modification efforts that ensure these cuttingedge ISR aircraft achieve exceptional performance, reliability, and ...

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Airframe Structural Analysis information

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How much do airframe structural analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for airframe structural analysis in the United States is $27.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is airframe structural analysis?

Airframe structural analysis is the process of evaluating the strength, durability, and stability of an aircraft's frame to ensure it can safely withstand operational loads and stresses. Engineers use mathematical models, simulations, and physical testing to assess the performance of materials and structural components under various conditions. The goal is to identify potential weaknesses and ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.

What is the difference between Airframe Structural Analysis vs Aircraft Structural Design?

AspectAirframe Structural AnalysisAircraft Structural Design
Primary FocusEvaluating existing airframe structures for integrity and safetyCreating new structural designs for aircraft
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in aerospace or structural analysisEngineering degree, certifications in aerospace design or CAD
Work EnvironmentAnalysis labs, maintenance facilities, engineering officesDesign studios, engineering offices, CAD environments
Industry UsageUsed by aerospace companies, maintenance, and repair organizationsUsed by aircraft manufacturers, design firms, aerospace engineers

While both roles require aerospace engineering knowledge and certifications, Airframe Structural Analysis focuses on assessing and ensuring the safety of existing aircraft structures. In contrast, Aircraft Structural Design involves creating new structural components and layouts for aircraft. Both are essential in the aircraft lifecycle but serve different stages from design to maintenance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Airframe Structural Analysis engineer?

As an Airframe Structural Analysis engineer, your daily tasks often include reviewing detailed blueprints and CAD models, performing stress analysis using specialized software, and preparing technical reports to document findings. You will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. Routine activities also involve troubleshooting structural issues, proposing design modifications, and participating in design review meetings to address engineering challenges as they arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airframe Structural Analyst, and why are they important?

To excel as an Airframe Structural Analyst, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, knowledge of structural mechanics, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS or NASTRAN, and experience interpreting technical drawings and industry standards, are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting findings. These competencies ensure the integrity and safety of airframe structures, meeting regulatory requirements and supporting successful aircraft design and maintenance.
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What job categories do people searching Airframe Structural Analysis jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airframe Structural Analysis jobs are:
Airframe Structural Analysis jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airframe Structural Analysis job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, and 52% Part Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,490 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Engineer II, Structural Analysis (R4952)

Engineer II, Structural Analysis (R4952)

Shield AI

Charleston, WV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

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Job description

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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 an Engineer II, Structural Analysis 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 2+ 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.
  • 2+ 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.