Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

The role

You will lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, which is powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. You will manage a team of propulsion engineers and technicians and coordinate work across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls and flight test teams.

What you will do

• Lead propulsion subsystem and component development from concept through flight operations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers responsible for hardware design, integration, testing and operational support.
• Lead design of propulsion components that balance mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability and performance.
• Guide teams through high-temperature, high-pressure, vibration and transient flow environments.
• Drive component architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts and supporting hardware.
• Align design, manufacturing, supply chain, test and vehicle teams.
• Support technical reviews, integration planning and root cause investigations.
• Set team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor and measurable results.
• Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables for propulsion hardware.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems or hardware development.
• Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and propulsion fundamentals.
• Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration and thermal/mechanical constraints.
• Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience designing propulsion subsystems such as valves, bleed air, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems or structural integration hardware.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP or REFPROP.
• Experience designing high-performance components in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
• Familiarity with valve design, sealing, high-temperature materials and flow path optimization.
• Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
• Experience in test-driven aerospace development environments.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements is required.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance is desired.
• 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.