Principal Propulsion Engineer, Autonomous Aircraft

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Bonus

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Propulsion Engineer to lead propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and fielding for next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will own performance, interfaces, and vehicle-level impacts while coordinating with suppliers and internal teams. The role requires 7+ years in aerospace propulsion, strong thermodynamics and gas turbine knowledge, and hands‑on testing experience.

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of aerospace propulsion development, integration, test, or flight operations.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and gas turbine performance knowledge.
• Hands-on propulsion hardware integration, instrumentation, testing, and flight support.
• Experience with OEMs or suppliers through procurement and integration.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.
• Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, CFD, Siemens NX, or Teamcenter.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware from requirements to deployment.
• Own engine performance and integration activities, including interfaces and operability.
• Lead design reviews, supplier engagements, and hardware procurement.
• Plan and execute propulsion testing with instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Analyze ground and flight data to quantify margin and drive improvements.
• Lead failure investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, controls, airframe, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Mentor engineers and strengthen propulsion practices.

Skills

Propulsion fundamentals

Python proficiency

Data analysis

System integration

Engineering leadership

689Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

MS/PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

GFSSP

REFPROP

ANSYS

FEA

CFD

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Propulsion Engineer to lead propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and fielding for next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will own performance, interfaces, and vehicle-level impacts while coordinating with suppliers and internal teams. The role requires 7+ years in aerospace propulsion, strong thermodynamics and gas turbine knowledge, and hands‑on testing experience.

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain clearance are required.