LIVE FEEDVIEWS 0UTC —
POSTING ACTIVE · REQ-709D8 · FY25.Q4
Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)
Shield AI
[ COMPENSATION RANGE · ANNUAL · BASE ]
$142,318 – $213,476USD
MIDPOINT
$177,897
SPREAD
$71,158
LEVEL
LEAD
TECHNICAL STACK · 1 TAGS
§ 01OVERVIEW
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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:
Shield AI is seeking a Staff Fuel Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate fuel systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. You’ll help develop innovative fuel storage, transfer, and distribution systems that improve endurance, efficiency, and reliability in challenging operational environments.
This role is ideal for an engineer eager to take ownership of complex subsystems, collaborate across disciplines, and grow into a technical leader working at the intersection of autonomy, flight science, and fluid systems.
§ 02WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE
- Design and develop fuel storage, transfer, and venting systems to support high-performance, long-endurance UAVs.
- Perform fluid and thermal analysis to optimize flow efficiency, pressure regulation, and system mass.
- Support integration of fuel systems with propulsion, avionics, and thermal management teams.
- Conduct CFD simulations, bench-level testing, and validation of pumps, valves, sensors, and tanks.
- Generate design documentation, system schematics, and verification plans to support engineering reviews and flight test readiness.
- Assist in supplier coordination, component selection, and qualification testing.
- Troubleshoot fuel system issues during prototype builds and flight test campaigns.
- Contribute to the development of system architecture and help mature design standards across new programs.
§ 03REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
- 4–7 years of experience in fuel or fluid systems design, analysis, or integration.
- Working knowledge of CFD and thermal/fluid simulation tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Experience with pumps, valves, and sensors for fuel or hydraulic systems.
- Familiarity with aerospace environmental and certification standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
§ 04PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience supporting UAV, fighter, or propulsion system integration.
- Hands-on experience with prototype build, test, and troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks for CAD design and modeling.
- Exposure to mission endurance optimization and energy management strategies.
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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.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- How much does the Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT) at Shield AI pay?
- The posting lists a range of $142K–$213K per year. Ranges reflect what Shield AI publicly declared on the source posting.
- Where is this Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT) role based?
- The role is based in Dallas, Texas.
- What experience does Shield AI expect for this role?
- The posting is tagged as a lead-level role, typically 7+ years of experience. Check the requirements section for specifics.
- Where is Shield AI headquartered?
- Shield AI is headquartered in San Diego, USA.
- How was this posting sourced?
- This role was pulled directly from Shield AI's Lever careers site. Apply links open in the employer's own ATS — no reposts or aggregator middleware.
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