Manager, Propulsion (Fuel System) (R5088)

The role

Lead fuel system development and integration for the X-BAT vehicle, which is powered by a fighter-class afterburning jet engine. Oversee engineers and technicians working on fuel tanks, delivery, venting, pressurization and level sensing.

What you will do

• Lead fuel system development activities from architecture through testing and flight operations.
• Support and mentor fuel system REs responsible for fuel tanks, pumps, valves, vent systems and propulsion hardware.
• Drive system integration considering elevated-G maneuvers, transient operation, vapor ingestion, cavitation, thermal effects and fault tolerance.
• Guide fuel system thermodynamic and fluid dynamic trade studies.
• Coordinate testing activities, instrumentation planning and performance validation.
• Support failure investigations, root cause analysis and design iteration.
• Keep schedules, technical execution and supplier activities aligned with program goals.
• Collaborate with propulsion, airframe, mission systems and manufacturing teams.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 7-10+ years of experience developing aerospace fuel or fluid systems.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
• Deep understanding of compressible and incompressible flow systems and aerospace fluid dynamics.
• Experience with fuel system integration, testing and operational support.
• Experience leading engineering teams or major subsystem development activities.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience with jet-powered UAVs, tactical aircraft or aerospace fuel systems.
• Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS or fluid system modeling tools.
• Experience with slosh dynamics, cavitation, vapor ingestion, venting, thermal management and pressurization systems.
• Background in rocket propulsion fluid systems.
• Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance.

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements is required.
• 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 whose mission is protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.