Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4641)

<div><span data-contrast="auto">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&nbsp;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&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shield.ai/"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">www.shield.ai</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. Follow Shield AI on&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">LinkedIn</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://x.com/shieldaitech"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">X</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Instagram</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, and&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">YouTube</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}">&nbsp;</span></div><div><br></div><div><strong style="font-size: 18px;">Job Description: </strong></div> <div> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> </div><h3>What you will do in this role:</h3> <li>Own the design and release of propulsion hardware supporting the engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems.</li> <li>Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with proper GD&amp;T.</li> <li>Translate propulsion architecture and requirements into hardware that is manufacturable, testable, and robust in flight.</li> <li>Work directly with the machine shop, production, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements.</li> <li>Support test campaigns by providing hardware design support, instrumentation accommodation, and rapid iteration based on test findings.</li> <li>Apply engineering judgment and analysis (e.g., hand calcs, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, REFPROP) to support sizing, load cases, and design validation.</li> <li>Support configuration management, BOM control, and change processes using Teamcenter or equivalent PLM.</li> <li>Participate in design reviews, interface control efforts, and root cause investigations related to propulsion hardware.</li> <h3>Required qualifications: </h3> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.</li> <li>5+ years of experience in aerospace hardware design, preferably supporting propulsion systems.</li> <li>Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) with sound application of GD&amp;T.</li> <li>Experience working directly with production, technicians, and machine shops to resolve real-world build issues.</li> <li>Understanding of design for manufacturing, including machining limitations, tolerance stack-ups, and assembly workflows.</li> <li>Some hands-on experience developing assembly guidance and supporting hardware builds and test integration.</li> <li>U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.</li> <li><span data-teams="true">Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.</span></li> <h3>Preferred qualifications:</h3> <li>Experience with jet propulsion systems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.</li> <li>Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or FEA to support design trade studies and validation.</li> <li>Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, analysis, or data processing.</li> <li>Experience with interface control, fastener selection for high-vibration environments, and high-temperature materials.</li> <li>Experience designing hardware in test-driven development environments with rapid iteration cycles.</li> <li>M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.</li>