Senior Engineer Propulsion - Engine Performance (R5907)

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

Job summary

Shield AI in Dallas is seeking a Propulsion Performance Engineer to own engine calibration and performance for the V-BAT platform's reciprocating engines. You will drive test plans, ECU tuning, and performance analysis from bench to flight, ensuring torque, power, speed, and fuel efficiency meet demanding envelopes.

The role requires hands-on work with engine hardware, fuel injection and engine control systems, plus engine test stands.

Qualifications

• Deep hands-on experience with reciprocating engines (four-stroke or two-stroke).
• Experience driving engine calibration decisions with minimal oversight.
• Knowledge of engine test stands and fuel injection controls.

Responsibilities

• Own engine calibration strategy for V-BAT platform.
• Drive test plans, ECU tuning, and performance analysis from bench to flight.
• Analyze torque, power, speed and fuel efficiency across full operating envelope.

Skills

Engine calibration

ECU tuning

Test planning

Flight testing

Hands-on hardware

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 Propulsion Performance Engineer to own engine calibration and performance for the reciprocating engines that power the V-BAT platform. This role serves as the technical owner for engine calibration strategy — driving test plans, ECU tuning, and performance analysis from bench through flight test — and is accountable for the torque, power, speed, and fuel efficiency characteristics the engine delivers across its full operating envelope. You'll work hands‑on with engine hardware, electronic fuel injection and engine control systems, and engine test stands, creating and executing engine testing strategies under the direction of senior staff propulsion engineers. Candidates with a background in air‑cooled or aviation two‑stroke engines are especially encouraged to apply; at minimum, we’re looking for someone with deep hands‑on experience on reciprocating engines (four‑stroke or two‑stroke) who can own calibration decisions with minimal oversight.