Senior Staff Engineer, Aero-Propulsion Engineer

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

We are seeking a Senior Staff Aero-Propulsion Engineer with 10+ years of experience to lead the development, integration, and optimization of air-breathing propulsion systems for our aircraft platforms. This individual will play a key role in conceptual design, performance analysis, and system-level integration of propulsion technologies, ensuring optimal efficiency, reliability, and mission capability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead aero-propulsion system design and optimization for aircraft platforms
• Optimize propulsion integration with airframe and mission requirements
• Drive aircraft inlet and nozzle design using a range of approaches from first-order to complex CFD and test
• Integrate propulsion models into aircraft performance estimation tools
• Define propulsion system architecture, including engine selection, thrust vectoring system design, and power management strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with airframe, controls, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless propulsion integration.
• Work closely with suppliers and partners to evaluate and select propulsion system components.
• Drive testing and validation, including wind tunnel, ground, and flight tests, to refine propulsion performance and reliability.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on propulsion-related initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION:

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of industry experience
• 5+ years of experience in aero-propulsion system design, integration, and testing
• Expertise in inlet and nozzle design for air-breathing engines
• Experience with ground and flight testing of propulsion systems
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Background in external aerodynamics
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment.

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.

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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.