Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4642)

The role

You will design and release propulsion hardware for the X-BAT platform, a next-generation UAV with a low-bypass turbofan engine. The work covers the engine, fuel, oil and bleed air systems, from early layout through production, test support and flight operations.

What you will do

• Own the design and release of propulsion hardware for the engine, fuel, oil and bleed air systems.
• Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings and assemblies in Siemens NX with proper GD&T.
• Turn propulsion architecture and requirements into hardware that is manufacturable, testable and flight-ready.
• Work with the machine shop, production and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances and drive improvements.
• Support test campaigns with hardware design, instrumentation accommodation and rapid iteration based on findings.
• Apply hand calculations, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP and REFPROP for sizing, load cases and design validation.
• Support configuration management, BOM control and change processes using Teamcenter or equivalent PLM.
• Take part in design reviews, interface control efforts and root cause investigations for propulsion hardware.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace hardware design, preferably supporting propulsion systems.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) with sound application of GD&T.
• Experience working directly with production, technicians and machine shops to resolve real-world build issues.
• Understanding of design for manufacturing, including machining limits, tolerance stack-ups and assembly workflows.
• Some hands-on experience developing assembly guidance and supporting hardware builds and test integration.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience with jet propulsion systems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.
• Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS or FEA for design trade studies and validation.
• Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, analysis or data processing.
• Experience with interface control, fastener selection for high-vibration environments and high-temperature materials.
• Experience designing hardware in test-driven environments with rapid iteration cycles.
• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.

Benefits

• Equity for full-time regular employees.
• Bonus for full-time regular employees.
• Benefits package for full-time regular employees.
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment.

Before you apply

• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements is required.
• An S//SAR level security clearance is desired.
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.