Principal Propulsion Engineer (R6453) at Shield AI in Seattle, WA

Job description

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. What You'll Do • Own the design of propulsion components and subsystems from concept through production release • Develop and maintain high-quality CAD models, detailed drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with fully applied GD&T • Write and enforce propulsion design standards and contribute to company-wide design best practices • Collaborate closely with the machine shop, production team, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements • Develop initial work instructions, assembly guidance, and design documentation for repeatability and scalability • Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective, with strong understanding of machining, tolerances, materials, and assembly workflows • Apply engineering analysis and judgment (e.g., hand calcs, GFSSP, ANSYS, FEA, 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 working groups, and root cause investigations What You'll Bring Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline • 7+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, with direct propulsion hardware experience preferred • Expert-level proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) and application of GD&T • Proven ability to work cross-functionally with production, machine shop personnel, and technicians to solve real-time hardware issues • Familiarity with design for manufacturing, including machining processes, surface modeling, stack-up analysis, and fabrication limitations • Hands-on experience developing assembly work instructions, troubleshooting build issues, and implementing hardware-driven design changes • Experience with configuration management, PLM systems (Teamcenter), and BOM structure • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements; Ability to obtain Secret clearance Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, or other mechanical and thermal analysis tools • Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, data analysis, or simulation support • Proficient in interface control and tolerance stack-up analysis for complex assemblies • Knowledge of fastening methods and joint design for high-vibration, aerospace environments • Familiarity with high-temperature materials and design practices for thermally stressed components • Prior experience designing hardware for internal combustion, turbine, or rocket propulsion systems, particularly in development or test environments • M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline 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