Staff Engineer, Propulsion (R5899)

The role

This person will serve as Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware on a next-generation autonomous aircraft system. The role covers design, integration, testing, flight support and operational deployment, and includes mentoring less experienced engineers and technicians.

What you will do

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for assigned propulsion hardware or capabilities from requirements through deployment
• Own engine performance and integration, including interfaces, operability and vehicle-level impacts
• Lead technical design reviews, supplier engagements and hardware procurement
• Plan and execute propulsion testing, data acquisition and test-to-flight readiness
• Analyze ground and flight data to quantify margin, identify anomalies and drive improvements
• Lead failure investigations and root cause efforts with corrective actions
• Work hands-on with design, controls, fluids, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, test and flight teams
• Mentor less experienced engineers and technicians

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion development, integration, test or flight operations
• Demonstrated ownership of complex aerospace hardware
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, compressible flow and gas turbine engine performance
• Hands-on experience with propulsion hardware integration, instrumentation, testing, flight support and failure investigations
• Strong proficiency in Python or similar tools for engineering analysis and data reduction
• Demonstrated ability to drive ambiguous technical problems to measurable results
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance

Nice to have

• Experience with fighter-class, low-bypass turbofan, afterburning or other high-performance gas turbine engines
• Experience working with engine OEMs or aerospace suppliers through procurement, development, qualification and integration
• Experience with engine controls, performance tuning, transient validation or propulsion and flight-control integration
• Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, CFD, Siemens NX or Teamcenter
• Background in rocket propulsion
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• U.S. citizenship required
• Must be able to obtain security clearance
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check

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.