Propulsion Systems Manager — Jet Aircraft (X-BAT)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead the propulsion subsystem development for the X-BAT vehicle, including valves, ducting, thermal and oil systems, in a high-temperature, high‑vibration environment.

You will mentor propulsion engineers, oversee cradle‑to‑grave hardware development, and coordinate with design, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams to ensure mission‑critical performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7–10+ years in aerospace propulsion or hardware development.
• Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystems.
• U.S. Citizenship or ITAR clearance eligibility.
• MS/PhD preferred in aerospace engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion subsystem and component development from concept through flight.
• Mentor propulsion engineers responsible for hardware design and testing.
• Drive architecture for valves, ducting, and thermal systems.
• Coordinate cross‑functional design, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Support technical reviews, integration, and root cause investigations.
• Drive staffing, technical rigor, and measurable results.
• Coordinate supplier activities and deliverables.

Skills

Aerospace propulsion

Team leadership

Thermal systems

Fluid dynamics

Propulsion design

High-temperature materials

Vibration analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/ Mechanical Engineering

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

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

ANSYS

FEA

REFPROP

GFSSP

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead the propulsion subsystem development for the X-BAT vehicle, including valves, ducting, thermal and oil systems, in a high-temperature, high‑vibration environment.

You will mentor propulsion engineers, oversee cradle‑to‑grave hardware development, and coordinate with design, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams to ensure mission‑critical performance.