Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4641) 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. 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. What 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. Required 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. Preferred 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. #LC 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 expe