Lead Fuel Systems Architect for Autonomous Aircraft

Shield AI

United States

Hybrid

USD 209,000 - 314,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Principal Fuel Systems Engineer to own the full lifecycle of fuel-system design for advanced AI-powered aircraft, including concept through flight testing. You will mentor teams and drive technical excellence across our air-vehicle portfolio.

You will lead cross-functional integration with propulsion, structures, avionics, and thermal teams, define performance requirements, and oversee validation testing. U.S. citizenship and travel up to 25% are required.

Qualifications

B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
12-15+ years of experience in aircraft fuel systems, aerospace fluids, or propulsion integration.
Demonstrated expertise with fuel system design, analysis, and certification for manned or unmanned aircraft.
Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and CFD principles.
Proficiency with analysis and modeling tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Simulink) and CAD software (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks).
Strong technical leadership and mentoring experience within multidisciplinary teams.
Familiarity with FAA and MIL-STD certification requirements and validation testing.
U.S. Citizenship required.
For remote candidates - ability to travel up to 25%.
Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Responsibilities

Architect end-to-end fuel systems including storage, transfer, venting, and pressurization for next-gen autonomous aircraft.
Lead cross-functional integration between propulsion, structures, avionics, and thermal teams to ensure optimal system performance.
Conduct system-level modeling and analysis to predict flow behavior, vapor suppression, slosh dynamics, and thermal effects.
Define performance requirements and verification strategies for high-reliability components and assemblies.
Lead design reviews, technical trade studies, and risk assessments for critical systems.
Oversee supplier selection, qualification, and acceptance testing for pumps, valves, tanks, and sensors.
Support and guide ground and flight test campaigns; perform root-cause analysis for system anomalies.
Mentor engineers, establish best practices, and develop processes for system integration and testing.