Lead propulsion engineering for X-BAT's fighter-class afterburning engine and TVC systems. Manage engineers and technicians through concept, integration, testing, flight operations, and deployment. Coordinate with controls, airframe, flight test, manufacturing, suppliers, and leadership; drive trade studies, root-cause investigations, performance analysis, design reviews, and flight readiness. Emphasize technical leadership, hands-on execution, and schedule alignment to meet vehicle and mission requirements.
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.
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead the development and execution of engine and thrust vector control (TVC) systems for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role leads a team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and operating flight-critical propulsion hardware from concept through flight and operational deployment.
You will work closely with propulsion Responsible Engineers (REs), controls, airframe, flight test, manufacturing, and leadership teams to ensure engine and TVC development aligns with vehicle-level objectives, mission requirements, and program milestones. This role requires strong technical leadership, hands-on engagement, and the ability to drive execution in a fast-paced aerospace development environment.
What you'll do:
- Lead propulsion engineering efforts related to engine and TVC development, integration, testing, and flight operations.
- Support and mentor propulsion REs responsible for engine modules, nozzles, actuators, vectoring hardware, and associated propulsion systems.
- Drive technical execution, staffing, prioritization, and schedule alignment across propulsion activities.
- Guide teams through propulsion trade studies involving thermodynamics, transient behavior, thermal management, structural integration, and operability limits.
- Coordinate closely with controls, airframe, and mission teams to ensure propulsion integration supports aircraft maneuverability, survivability, and CONOPS requirements.
- Support root cause investigations, performance anomalies, design reviews, and flight readiness activities.
- Drive technical rigor, accountability, and measurable execution across the propulsion organization.
- Collaborate with suppliers and external partners supporting propulsion hardware and testing.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
- 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion system development, integration, test, or flight operations.
- Experience leading engineering teams or large cross-functional technical efforts.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
- Deep understanding of gas turbine engine operation, transient response, thrust production, operability limits, and thermal constraints.
- Hands-on experience supporting propulsion hardware development and test programs.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with fighter-class or low-bypass turbofan propulsion systems.
- Familiarity with engine controls, TVC systems, transient response, and actuator integration.
- Experience with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, or propulsion performance analysis tools.
- Background in rocket propulsion or thrust vector control systems.
- Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace environments.
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
#LI-MS1
#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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Design and develop primary and secondary structural components for a next-generation UAV. Execute full design lifecycle, perform hand calculations and limited FEA, collaborate across disciplines, support validation/testing, and produce design documentation and drawings to aerospace standards.
Top Skills:
AbaqusAnsysAsme Y14.5CadCatiaDfmaFaaFeaGd&TMil-StdNastranNxSolidworks
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Design end-to-end human-machine interfaces for UAV ground control station software. Create wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes in Figma; apply human factors principles for real-time data visualization, conduct usability testing and simulations, and collaborate with engineers, pilots, and human factors experts to maintain scalable design systems.
Top Skills:
Adobe Creative CloudFigmaFramerPrinciple
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Leads advanced manufacturing engineering across multiple defense and aerospace programs. Responsibilities include defining manufacturing processes, mapping material bills of manufacturing, designing workstations and tooling, creating controlled work instructions, conducting time studies, improving throughput through lean methods, implementing MES/QMS systems, supporting quality and first article inspection readiness, managing engineering change orders, and mentoring engineers during new production-line development.
Top Skills:
5SAdditive ManufacturingAs9100Automation SystemsCadControl PlansDoeEsd ControlsIso 9001Lean ManufacturingMesExcelMinitabPfmeaQmsSpcStandard Operating ProceduresTorque Analyzers
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
