Lead TVC Propulsion Engineer – UAV Flight Control

Shield; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to own the Thrust Vector Control system for the X-BAT TVC. This role leads from concept through flight, interfacing with controls, airframe, flight test, and mission teams.

You will manage requirements, design integration, and lead testing and data analysis to ensure robust, reliable performance across the flight envelope. A strong background in propulsion hardware, Python, and CAD/validation tools is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• 7+ years in aerospace propulsion or flight control systems.
• Deep understanding of nozzle dynamics, actuation, and structural/thermal constraints.
• Experience in hardware development, test planning, and flight test support.
• Strong proficiency in Python for performance analysis, data processing.
• Familiarity with ANSYS, FEA, or thermal/fluid modeling for validation.
• U.S. Citizenship or ITAR compliance.

Responsibilities

• Act as single-threaded owner for the TVC system from concept to flight.
• Define and manage system requirements and interfaces.
• Design and integrate vectoring mechanisms with engine and structure.
• Lead ground and flight testing including instrumentation and data collection.
• Analyze control authority, vectoring bandwidth, and dynamic response.
• Collaborate with controls to shape vectoring logic and ensure closed-loop performance.
• Own fault management, investigations, and reliability strategies.
• Represent the TVC system in design reviews and customer briefings.

Skills

Propulsion system design

Flight control systems

Python

Hardware development

Test planning

Data analysis

Modeling & simulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

MS/PhD in aerospace engineering (preferred)

Tools

ANSYS

FEA

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to own the Thrust Vector Control system for the X-BAT TVC. This role leads from concept through flight, interfacing with controls, airframe, flight test, and mission teams.

You will manage requirements, design integration, and lead testing and data analysis to ensure robust, reliable performance across the flight envelope. A strong background in propulsion hardware, Python, and CAD/validation tools is required.