Staff Propulsion Engineer – Aircraft Autonomy Systems

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI, a defense-tech innovator, seeks a Staff Propulsion Engineer to drive design, integration, and fielding of next-generation autonomous aircraft propulsion systems. You will own propulsion hardware from requirements through flight, interfacing with suppliers and internal teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The role demands strong propulsion fundamentals, hands-on testing, and the ability to deliver in a fast-paced development environment while mentoring teammates and advancing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering; 7+ years in propulsion development, integration, test, or flight operations.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, compressible flow, and gas turbine performance knowledge.
• Hands-on propulsion hardware integration, instrumentation, testing, flight support, and failure investigations.
• Strong Python for engineering analysis, data reduction, and model correlation.
• Ability to independently drive ambiguous technical problems to measurable results in a fast-paced environment.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware from requirements to deployment.
• Own engine performance and integration activities including interfaces and operability.
• Lead design reviews, supplier engagements, and hardware procurement.
• Plan and execute propulsion testing with instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Analyze ground and flight data to understand engine behavior and drive improvements.
• Lead failure investigations and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams for integration and iteration.
• Mentor junior engineers and strengthen propulsion practices.

Skills

Python

Propulsion systems

Data analysis

Engineering ownership

Problem solving

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

MS/PhD (preferred)

Tools

GFSSP

REFPROP

ANSYS

FEA

CFD

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Shield AI, a defense-tech innovator, seeks a Staff Propulsion Engineer to drive design, integration, and fielding of next-generation autonomous aircraft propulsion systems. You will own propulsion hardware from requirements through flight, interfacing with suppliers and internal teams to ensure performance and reliability.

The role demands strong propulsion fundamentals, hands-on testing, and the ability to deliver in a fast-paced development environment while mentoring teammates and advancing