LIVE FEEDVIEWS 0UTC —
POSTING ACTIVE · REQ-9A1F9 · FY26.Q1
Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4642)
Shield AI
[ COMPENSATION RANGE · ANNUAL · BASE ]
$113,948 – $170,922USD
MIDPOINT
$142,435
SPREAD
$56,974
LEVEL
SENIOR
TECHNICAL STACK · 2 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:
We are seeking a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer to support the development and delivery of propulsion hardware for the X-BAT platform, a next-generation UAV powered by a low-bypass turbofan engine. This role spans the full lifecycle of propulsion system components - from early layout and design through production release, test support, and flight operations.
You will be a key contributor to turning propulsion architecture into manufacturable, testable, and flight-ready hardware across the engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems. This role is hands-on, detail-oriented, and highly cross-functional - requiring close collaboration with propulsion REs, technicians, machinists, production, controls, airframe, and flight test teams.
§ 02WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE
- Own the design and release of propulsion hardware supporting the engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems.
- Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with proper GD&T.
- Translate propulsion architecture and requirements into hardware that is manufacturable, testable, and robust in flight.
- Work directly with the machine shop, production, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements.
- Support test campaigns by providing hardware design support, instrumentation accommodation, and rapid iteration based on test findings.
- Apply engineering judgment and analysis (e.g., hand calcs, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, REFPROP) to support sizing, load cases, and design validation.
- Support configuration management, BOM control, and change processes using Teamcenter or equivalent PLM.
- Participate in design reviews, interface control efforts, and root cause investigations related to propulsion hardware.
§ 03REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace hardware design, preferably supporting propulsion systems.
- Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) with sound application of GD&T.
- Experience working directly with production, technicians, and machine shops to resolve real-world build issues.
- Understanding of design for manufacturing, including machining limitations, tolerance stack-ups, and assembly workflows.
- Some hands-on experience developing assembly guidance and supporting hardware builds and test integration.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
§ 04PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with jet propulsion systems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.
- Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or FEA to support design trade studies and validation.
- Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, analysis, or data processing.
- Experience with interface control, fastener selection for high-vibration environments, and high-temperature materials.
- Experience designing hardware in test-driven development environments with rapid iteration cycles.
- M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
#LI-MA
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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 Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4642) at Shield AI pay?
- The posting lists a range of $114K–$171K per year. Ranges reflect what Shield AI publicly declared on the source posting.
- Where is this Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4642) role based?
- The role is based in Dallas, Texas.
- What experience does Shield AI expect for this role?
- The posting is tagged as a senior-level role, typically 5+ 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.
[ APPLICATION ROUTE ]LEVER · External ATS
APPLY VIA LEVER→Apply links open in the employer's official ATS. Always verify recruitment messages on the company's careers page before sharing personal information.
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