Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (R4639)

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead planning and execution of propulsion test campaigns for the X-BAT platform. This role owns test architecture, stand design, data analysis, and flight readiness decisions, collaborating closely with propulsion, controls, and flight test teams.

The candidate will design test stands and instrumentation, run ground campaigns, analyze results, and drive corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
• 5+ years of propulsion or engine testing experience in aerospace development.
• Hands-on experience with engine test cells, test stand design, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine engine performance, transients, and test methodologies.
• Proficiency in Python for data reduction and analysis workflows.
• Experience supporting flight test readiness and test-to-flight transitions.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion test program from requirements to flight handoff.
• Architect, design and build test stands and fixtures for engine testing.
• Define instrumentation plans, DAQ architecture, calibration methods.
• Lead ground test campaigns, performance mapping, and edge-of-envelope testing.
• Analyze test data to validate performance and identify anomalies.
• Collaborate with propulsion REs and controls engineers to close risk against CONOPS.
• Drive root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Author test plans, reports, and readiness reviews.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Test planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related

MS in Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

DAQ systems

Instrumentation

ANSYS

FEA

Test stands

Job description

About Shield AI

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‑BAT aircraft, 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 Follow Shield AI onLinkedIn,X,Instagram, andYouTube.

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the planning and execution of propulsion test campaigns for the X‑BAT platform. This role is responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of propulsion test activities—from test architecture and test stand design through execution, data analysis, and iteration—supporting a low‑bypass turbofan‑powered Group 5 UAV. You will serve as the focal point for propulsion testing, ensuring test results accurately characterize engine and subsystem performance, de‑risk integration, and inform flight readiness decisions. This role is hands‑on, data‑driven, and highly cross‑functional—requiring close collaboration with propulsion engineers, design engineers, technicians, controls, airframe, and flight test teams.

What you will do in this role:

• Own the propulsion test program from requirements through execution, data review, and test‑to‑flight handoff.
• Architect, design, analyze, and build test stands and fixtures for engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and TVC‑related testing.
• Define and implement instrumentation plans, DAQ architecture, calibration methods, and test procedures.
• Lead ground test campaigns, including performance mapping, transient response, and edge‑of‑envelope testing.
• Analyze test data to validate performance, identify anomalies, and drive design or control updates.
• Partner with propulsion REs and controls engineers to ensure test coverage closes risk against CONOPS and mission profiles.
• Drive root‑cause investigations for test anomalies and implement corrective actions.
• Author test plans, reports, and readiness reviews; represent propulsion test in design and flight readiness reviews.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion or engine testing in aerospace development environments.
• Hands‑on experience with engine test cells, test stand design, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine engine performance, transients, and test methodologies.
• Proficiency in Python (or similar) for data reduction, automation, and analysis workflows.
• Experience supporting flight test readiness and test‑to‑flight transitions.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience testing low‑bypass turbofan engines or propulsion subsystems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.
• Familiarity with REFPROP, GFSSP, ANSYS, or FEA to support test interpretation and correlation.
• Experience designing structural test fixtures, load paths, thermal management, and safety systems for hot‑fire environments.
• Background in controls integration, actuator testing (e.g., TVC), and transient characterization.
• Experience operating in a test‑driven, hardware‑centric aerospace development environment.
• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.

Employment type and 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 Employment Opportunity

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.