Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

Shield AI$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 7-10+ years in aerospace propulsion or fluid systems development.
  • Proven experience in leading engineering teams or subsystems projects.
  • Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics.
  • Deep understanding of aerospace component design and integration.
  • Hands-on experience in rapid hardware development and iteration.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ITAR compliance eligibility.

Responsibilities

  • Lead propulsion subsystem and component development from concept to flight operations.
  • Mentor propulsion engineers in design, integration, and testing phases.
  • Design and develop propulsion components balancing mass, thermal, and structural concerns.
  • Guide teams in high-temperature and vibration environments.
  • Drive architecture and integration decisions for propulsion hardware.
  • Facilitate cross-functional alignment among design, manufacturing, and testing teams.
  • Support technical reviews and manage supplier activities for propulsion hardware.

Benefits

  • Full-time and temporary employee benefit packages available after qualifying period.
  • Eligibility for bonuses and stock equity opportunities.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations. What you'll do: • Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations. • Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support. • Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance. • Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation. • Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware. • Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams. • Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations. • Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results. • Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware. Required qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. • 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments. • Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts. • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals. • Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints. • Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs. • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements. • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired. Preferred qualifications: • Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware. • Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP. • Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments. • Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization. • Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware. • Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments. • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline. #LI-MS1 #LD 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.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Shield AI

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087) jobs: