Manager, Propulsion (Fuel System) (R5088)

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI in Dallas, Texas is seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead the development and integration of fuel systems for the X-BAT vehicle powered by a fighter-class jet engine. You will oversee propulsion fluid systems across various demanding conditions and work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with 7-10 years of experience in aerospace systems. This role offers a salary between $150,000 and $230,000, along with bonuses and equity compensation.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience developing aerospace fuel or fluid systems.
• Experience leading engineering teams or major subsystem development activities.
• Deep understanding of compressible and incompressible flow systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead fuel system development activities from architecture through testing and flight operations.
• Coordinate testing activities, instrumentation planning, and performance validation efforts.
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Aerospace propulsion fundamentals

Fuel system integration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

ANSYS

Job description

Job Description:

We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead fuel system development and integration for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the architecture, integration, testing, and operational support of flight‑critical fuel systems operating across demanding thermal environments, aggressive maneuvering conditions, and mission‑critical operating profiles.

You will lead engineers and technicians responsible for fuel tanks, fuel delivery systems, venting, pressurization, level sensing, and associated propulsion fluid systems. This role requires deep technical understanding, strong execution leadership, and close coordination across propulsion, flight test, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.

What you’ll 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 associated propulsion hardware.
• Drive system integration efforts considering elevated‑G maneuvers, transient operation, vapor ingestion, cavitation, thermal effects, and fault tolerance.
• Guide teams through fuel system thermodynamic and fluid dynamic trade studies involving heat soak, vapor pressure behavior, venting, and transient flow response.
• Coordinate testing activities, instrumentation planning, and performance validation efforts.
• Support failure investigations, root cause analysis, and design iteration activities.
• Ensure schedules, technical execution, and supplier activities remain aligned with program goals.
• Collaborate closely 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.

Preferred qualifications:

• 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.

$150,000 - $230,000 a year

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

We are an equal opportunity workplace and are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.