Senior Staff Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

A technology firm specializing in autonomous aviation is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to lead test planning and execution for the X-BAT, the world's first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. The candidate should have 8+ years in propulsion testing and a strong background in developmental flight and engine testing. This high-impact role requires collaboration with engineers and flight teams, ensuring safe operations in a fast-paced environment. The position offers a full-time contract with a competitive salary, bonus, and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines or VTOL systems.
• Proven expertise in engine test execution and analysis.
• Ability to operate safely in fast-paced environments.
• Strong understanding of engine controls, THA/HA, thrust measurement, and vibration/loads.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion test planning and execution for X-BAT.
• Define test objectives and assess risk.
• Provide technical oversight during engine runs and hover tests.
• Provide oversight during engine runs, hover tests, and propulsion‑autonomy integration events.
• Participate in TRRs, THAs, and ORM assessments as propulsion SME.

Skills

Jet propulsion testing

Developmental flight test operations

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FADEC systems

High-rate telemetry data

Test stand equipment

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a highly experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test planning and execution for X‑BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. In this role, you will shape the propulsion test strategy, direct complex engine and hover test campaigns, and provide technical leadership across the program to ensure safe and rapid development of a next‑generation autonomous aircraft.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in jet propulsion testing, developmental flight test operations, and high‑energy ground testing. You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers, instrumentation specialists, and safety organizations to define test objectives, assess risk, and deliver the data required to advance the aircraft through its test envelope.

This is a high‑impact role for a technical leader who thrives in fast‑paced, experimental environments and who wants to help define the future of autonomous aviation.

What you’ll do:

• Support engine, hover, static, and integrated propulsion test campaigns for X‑BAT including planning, execution, and post‑test analysis.
• Advise on propulsion system readiness and define test objectives, success criteria, and instrumentation requirements.
• Develop and review test procedures, hazard analyses, run cards, and safety documentation for high‑energy test operations.
• Provide technical oversight during engine runs, hover tests, transition testing, and propulsion‑autonomy integration events.
• Serve as a propulsion subject‑matter expert during Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Test Hazard Analyses (THAs), and Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessments.
• Support root‑cause investigations related to propulsion performance, engine controls, thermal behavior, vibration, and integration issues.
• Partner with Autonomy and Avionics teams to evaluate propulsion‑related interactions such as thrust control logic, response lags, fail‑safes, and emergency behaviors.
• Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering to ensure data quality, timing, and fidelity across propulsion channels.
• Support field deployments, remote test sites, and intensive test cycles as required to meet program schedules.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines, VTOL systems, unmanned aircraft, or developmental flight test programs.
• Demonstrated expertise executing and analyzing engine tests, hover/transition events, and integrated propulsion‑airframe testing.
• Strong understanding of engine controls, FADEC systems, thrust measurement, thermal analysis, and vibration/loads behavior.
• Experience writing and reviewing high‑energy test procedures, readiness documentation, and hazard analyses.
• Proven ability to operate safely and decisively in fast‑paced test environments.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated performance in multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
• Ability to travel and support extended field test deployments.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with tail‑sitter, VTOL, or thrust‑vectoring propulsion systems.
• Background in autonomy‑powered aircraft, propulsion‑system modeling, or propulsion‑flight‑control integration.
• Familiarity with IRIG, PCM, instrumentation requirements, and high‑rate telemetry data.
• Experience supporting complex investigations or leading propulsion technical review boards.
• Prior involvement in developmental or experimental flight test programs.
• Experience with compressed‑air starts, engine‑health monitoring systems, or high‑temperature structural analysis.

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.

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