Propulsion Calibration Engineer — Engine Performance

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Propulsion Performance Engineer to own engine calibration and performance for V-BAT reciprocal engines, driving test plans, ECU tuning, and performance analysis from bench to flight test to ensure torque, power and fuel efficiency meet operating envelopes.

You’ll work hands-on with engine hardware, ECU systems, and test stands; candidates with piston-engine experience and ITAR awareness are encouraged to apply, with 5+ years as a baseline and a ME/AE degree (MS/PhD preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a mechanical or aerospace engineering role, with a focus on engine performance or calibration.
• Deep hands-on experience with reciprocating (piston) engines.
• Experience with electronically controlled fuel injectors and fuel injection systems.
• Proven experience with ECU configuration and engine calibration, including ownership of calibration decisions.
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret engine torque, power, and fuel consumption data to drive engine design, ECU calibration, and vehicle performance decisions.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
• Podium finish in FSAE competition, with at least one first place trophy in any dynamic event.
• Background in air-cooled engines, particularly aviation two-stroke platforms.
• Experience with dynamometer test cells and associated data acquisition systems.
• Deep familiarity with fuel maps, ignition timing strategies, and closed-loop engine control logic.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data reduction and calibration tooling.
• Experience writing custom data analysis tools to automate engine performance analysis and calibration workflows.
• Experience supporting military propulsion systems, tactical aircraft, or high-performance aerospace platforms.
• MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support the engine calibration strategy by defining test plans, calibration methodology, and acceptance criteria across dynamometer, bench, and flight test campaigns.
• Perform ECU configuration and tuning (including fuel mapping, ignition timing, and injector phasing) to optimize engine performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability across the operating envelope.
• Analyze and deliver torque, power, and fuel consumption results, identifying calibration or hardware improvement opportunities and driving corrective action.
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause investigations for engine testing for the development team and production teams.
• Reduce and interpret test and flight data to validate performance against requirements, closing gaps between design intent and measured behavior.
• Represent engine calibration and performance in design reviews, technical readiness checkpoints, and cross‑functional discussions with design, controls, and flight test teams.
• Develop and maintain calibration documentation, procedures, and performance reporting to support program milestones.
• Support refinement of performance models for the propulsion system and the vehicle through targeted test campaigns and data review.

Skills

Engine calibration

ECU tuning

Piston engines

Python or MATLAB

Data analysis

Test planning

Dynamometer testing

FSAE experience

ITAR compliance

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

ECU software tools

Data acquisition systems

Simulation tools

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Propulsion Performance Engineer to own engine calibration and performance for V-BAT reciprocal engines, driving test plans, ECU tuning, and performance analysis from bench to flight test to ensure torque, power and fuel efficiency meet operating envelopes.

You’ll work hands-on with engine hardware, ECU systems, and test stands; candidates with piston-engine experience and ITAR awareness are encouraged to apply, with 5+ years as a baseline and a ME/AE degree (MS/PhD preferred).