Principal 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.    

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we’re developing the next generation of autonomous aircraft designed to operate in high-threat, GPS-denied environments. As Principal Propulsion Engineer on the next-gen UAV program, you will own the technical strategy, architecture, and integration of the aircraft’s propulsion system—from clean-sheet design through flight validation.

This is a highly influential, cross-functional leadership role where propulsion performance directly defines platform capability. You’ll partner with engineering, flight test, manufacturing, and leadership teams to build a propulsion system that is lightweight, reliable, and ready for real-world missions. You will be responsible for making key decisions on propulsion architecture, subsystem tradeoffs, and long-term scalability.

We’re seeking a seasoned technical leader with deep experience in jet or turbine propulsion systems, full lifecycle development, and system-level thinking who is passionate about building cutting-edge autonomous systems from the ground up.

• Lead the definition and development of the propulsion architecture for a clean-sheet next-gen UAV platform
• Own and define all propulsion system-level requirements, including thrust, efficiency, endurance, weight, integration constraints, and mission readiness
• Conduct and oversee performance modeling, engine trade studies, and analysis using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, NPSS, and Thermal Desktop
• Guide selection and integration of propulsion system components, including engine(s), fuel delivery, mounting structures, and thermal management systems
• Collaborate with thermal, fuel, fluids, and mechanical teams to achieve optimal system packaging and reliability
• Support internal development and external supplier relationships related to propulsion hardware selection, customization, and testing
• Drive subsystem-level FMEAs, hazard analyses, interface documents, and qualification plans
• Act as technical lead in propulsion-related design reviews, risk assessments, and platform strategy discussions
• Provide mentorship to a growing team of propulsion, fluids, and mechanical engineers
• Define and lead system validation plans, including test article design, instrumentation, and real-world performance testing

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in propulsion system development for aircraft or UAVs
• Proven ownership of full lifecycle propulsion system development — from conceptual design through testing and integration
• Strong expertise in turbine engine performance, air-breathing propulsion, and system-level analysis
• Deep understanding of propulsion subsystem interaction with fuel, thermal, and control systems
• Proficiency in system modeling tools including NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and Thermal Desktop
• Strong technical leadership and ability to drive architecture-level decision-making
• Excellent communication and documentation skills in fast-paced, cross-functional environments

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in propulsion
• Experience with UAVs, defense systems, or high-performance autonomous platforms
• Familiarity with MIL-STD, DO-160, or other aerospace qualification protocols
• Experience with hybrid or distributed propulsion architectures
• Active or prior DoD clearance (not required)

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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.

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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.