Manage and drive execution of X-BAT propulsion development: coordinate engineers, suppliers, test campaigns, and cross-functional teams to meet vehicle milestones, mitigate risks, and ensure flight readiness. Translate technical status for leadership and facilitate reviews, schedules, and integration activities.
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 an experienced Propulsion Technical Program Manager to help drive execution across the Shield AI X-BAT propulsion team. This role partners closely with propulsion engineers and technicians to coordinate development activities across engine hardware, fuel systems, fluid systems, test campaigns, and integration with the aircraft.
You will work alongside the propulsion engineering team and applicable suppliers to ensure technical work progresses in alignment with vehicle-level milestones, schedules, and program objectives. This role requires someone who can understand technical challenges, manage cross-functional coordination, and push programs forward with measurable results. The ideal candidate has an engineering background but thrives in bringing teams together, removing obstacles, and staying hands-on when necessary to ensure success.
You will work alongside the propulsion engineering team and applicable suppliers to ensure technical work progresses in alignment with vehicle-level milestones, schedules, and program objectives. This role requires someone who can understand technical challenges, manage cross-functional coordination, and push programs forward with measurable results. The ideal candidate has an engineering background but thrives in bringing teams together, removing obstacles, and staying hands-on when necessary to ensure success.
What you'll do:
- Partner with propulsion engineers and Responsible Engineers (REs) to plan and execute propulsion development activities across engine hardware, subsystems, and testing.
- Drive propulsion program schedules and ensure alignment with vehicle-level milestones and flight readiness objectives.
- Coordinate work across propulsion, design, fluids, controls, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams.
- Track technical progress, identify risks, and drive mitigation plans to maintain schedule and performance targets.
- Manage propulsion-related suppliers and external partners, including schedule tracking, technical coordination, and delivery performance.
- Translate complex technical work into clear program status, risks, and actions for leadership and stakeholders.
- Facilitate technical reviews, program checkpoints, and cross-team integration discussions.
- Support propulsion test campaigns and development programs by coordinating resources, schedules, and deliverables.
- Drive accountability and measurable outcomes while maintaining strong collaboration with engineering teams.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
- Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
- Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior experience working directly with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
- Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
- Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
- Familiarity with program management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, or similar planning tools.
- Demonstrated ability to operate in high-ownership, hardware-centric engineering environments.
- Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.) is a plus.
#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
Leads strategic sourcing and procurement for critical aerospace mechanical commodities, including airframes, machined components, landing gear, engines, and propulsion hardware. Responsibilities include supplier selection and qualification, negotiations, cost analysis, supplier performance management, risk mitigation, new product introduction, production ramp-up, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, manufacturing, finance, contracts, and legal teams.
Top Skills:
CastingCnc MachiningCoatingComposite ManufacturingDfarsErp/Mrp SystemsFarForgingGd&THeat TreatmentItarMechanical AssemblyExcelPlatingWelding
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead technical development and performance improvement across aerospace mechanical suppliers. Assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing readiness, quality systems, capacity, tooling, and processes; drive industrialization, production ramp-up, corrective actions, and recovery efforts. Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Strategic Sourcing teams, review technical documentation, support First Article Inspections, resolve manufacturing issues, and ensure compliance with aerospace requirements. Regularly travel to supplier sites and mentor junior team members.
Top Skills:
5-Why8DAerospace EngineeringAs9100As9102CastingCnc MachiningCoatingComposite ManufacturingDfarsFarFault-Tree AnalysisFirst Article InspectionFishbone AnalysisForgingGd&THeat TreatmentItarManufacturing EngineeringMeasurement SystemsMechanical EngineeringNadcapPfmeaPlatingProcess Capability AnalysisSix SigmaStatistical Process ControlWelding
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead Shield AI’s digital factory and AI-enabled manufacturing roadmap. Deploy and improve MES, integrate ERP, PLM, QMS, automation, equipment, and connected factory infrastructure, and establish the digital thread across engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain. Identify and implement AI, predictive maintenance, machine vision, digital twin, analytics, and automation solutions while leading complex cross-functional factory transformation initiatives.
Top Skills:
Advanced AnalyticsArtificial IntelligenceDigital TwinsEnterprise Resource Planning (Erp)Factory AutomationIndustrial ControlsMachine LearningMachine VisionManufacturing Execution Systems (Mes)Product Lifecycle Management (Plm)Programmable Logic Controllers (Plcs)Quality Management Systems (Qms)
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
