Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description

We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.

What you'll do

• Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations.
• Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support.
• Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
• Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation.
• Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware.
• Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams.
• Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations.
• Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results.
• Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments.
• Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
• Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints.
• Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP.
• Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
• Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization.
• Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
• Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.

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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.