Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Principal Fuel Systems Engineer to lead architecture, development, and validation of fuel systems for advanced AI-powered aircraft. You will own the full lifecycle of fuel system design—from concept through flight testing—while mentoring others and driving technical excellence across our growing air vehicle portfolio.

You’ll tackle high‑impact challenges: enabling efficient long‑endurance flight, optimizing aircraft center of gravity, and developing robust, certifiable

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.
• Familiarity with FAA and MIL‑STD certification requirements and validation testing.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Architect end-to-end fuel systems for next-gen autonomous aircraft.
• Lead cross-functional integration between propulsion, structures, avionics, and thermal teams.
• Conduct system-level modeling to predict flow behavior and thermal effects.
• Define performance requirements and verification strategies for high-reliability components.
• Lead design reviews, trade studies, and risk assessments for critical systems.
• Oversee supplier selection, qualification, and acceptance testing.
• Support ground and flight test campaigns; perform root-causes.

Skills

Fuel system design

System architecture leadership

Ground/flight testing leadership

CFD and fluid dynamics

Education

BS/MS in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering

Tools

ANYS Fluent

OpenFOAM

MATLAB/Simulink

NX/CATIA/SolidWorks

Job description

Company Overview

Founded in 2015, 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 and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking a Principal Fuel Systems Engineer to lead architecture, development, and validation of fuel systems for advanced AI‑powered aircraft. In this role, you’ll own the full lifecycle of fuel system design—from concept through flight testing—while mentoring others and driving technical excellence across our growing air vehicle portfolio.

You’ll tackle high‑impact challenges: enabling efficient long‑endurance flight, optimizing aircraft center of gravity, and developing robust, certifiable systems that perform flawlessly in extreme conditions.

On‑site or hybrid work is preferred; however, for highly qualified candidates, a remote arrangement may be considered with up to 25% travel.

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.
• Contribute to long‑term technology roadmaps, including hybrid‑electric and alternative fuel system architectures.

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.
• Experience with UAV, fighter, or ISR platform development.
• Proven success leading complex fuel system programs from concept through flight test.
• Knowledge of advanced or low‑observable fuel system technologies, vapor suppression, and hybrid‑electric integration.
• Active or previous security clearance.

Benefits & Compensation

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is 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.