Manager, Propulsion (Fuel System) (R5088)

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead fuel system development for the X-BAT vehicle, overseeing architecture, testing, and flight operations. You will manage fuel tanks, pumps, vents, and related propulsion hardware, ensuring performance under demanding conditions.

You will guide teams through thermodynamics and fluid dynamics trade studies, coordinate testing efforts, and drive integration with manufacturing and mission systems. U.S. citizenship and ITAR compliance required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering required.
• 7–10+ years in aerospace fuel/fluid systems development.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, propulsion knowledge.
• In-depth compressible/incompressible flow understanding.
• Experience with fuel system integration, testing, and ops support.
• Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams or major subsystems.
• Ability to obtain ITAR/compliance and security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Lead fuel system development from architecture through testing and flight operations.
• Mentor engineers responsible for tanks, pumps, valves and vent systems.
• Drive integration amid high-G maneuvers, transient operation, and fault tolerance.
• Guide thermodynamic and fluid dynamic trade studies (heat soak, venting, vapor).
• Coordinate testing, instrumentation planning, and performance validation.
• Support failure investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Ensure schedules and supplier activities align with program goals.
• Collaborate with propulsion, airframe, mission systems, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Aerospace propulsion fundamentals

Compressible flow

Incompressible flow

Jet-powered UAVs experience

System integration

Leadership/people management

Testing & flight operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline

Tools

GFSSP

REFPROP

ANSYS

Fluid system modeling tools

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal 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.