Staff Propulsion Engineer — Autonomous Aircraft”

F7d8749a; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus opportunities

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Staff Propulsion Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and fielding of a next-generation autonomous aircraft system. You will be the Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware, overseeing requirements, procurement, integration, build, test, flight, and operations support.

Responsibilities include engine performance ownership, design reviews, supplier coordination, and propulsion testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years in aerospace propulsion development or flight operations.
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and gas turbine performance knowledge.
• Hands-on propulsion hardware integration, testing, and flight support.
• Proficient in Python or similar engineering analysis tools.
• Ability to drive ambiguous technical problems to measurable results in a fast-paced environment.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware from requirements through deployment.
• Own engine performance, interfaces, operability, margins, and vehicle impacts.
• 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 develop corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across design, controls, and flight operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and strengthen propulsion practices.

Skills

Python proficiency

Technical problem solving

Independent ownership

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

GFSSP

REFPROP

ANSYS

FEA/CFD

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Staff Propulsion Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and fielding of a next-generation autonomous aircraft system. You will be the Responsible Engineer for propulsion hardware, overseeing requirements, procurement, integration, build, test, flight, and operations support.

Responsibilities include engine performance ownership, design reviews, supplier coordination, and propulsion testing.