Shield AI

Staff Engineer, Propulsion Systems Advance Manufacturing (R5185)

Shield AI$120K — $190K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in manufacturing engineering for propulsion or fluid systems
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering
  • Experience with prototype manufacturing in dynamic settings
  • Knowledge of aerospace propulsion hardware and fluid systems
  • Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles and methodologies
  • Ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering support for propulsion and fluid system assemblies
  • Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and production flows
  • Collaborate with design engineering to enhance manufacturability and reliability
  • Drive investigations and corrective actions for manufacturing issues
  • Support supplier qualifications and production readiness reviews
  • Define manufacturing standards and quality inspection methods
  • Mentor junior engineers and lead DFM/DFA reviews

Benefits

  • Bonus potential
  • Equity options
  • Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees
  • Temporary benefits available after 60 days for temporary positions
Full Job Description
Job Description:

We are seeking a Staff Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing engineering activities for advanced propulsion and fluid systems used in aerospace and defense applications. This role supports engine integration, fuel systems, oil systems, pumps, and related propulsion hardware from development through production.

The ideal candidate has deep experience with propulsion-related manufacturing processes, fluid systems integration, and production support for mission-critical hardware.

What you'll do:

  • Lead manufacturing engineering support for propulsion and fluid system assemblies
  • Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and production flows for:
  • Engines and propulsion systems
  • Fuel systems and fuel tanks
  • Oil and lubrication systems
  • Pumps and fluid control hardware
  • Aerospace vector and thrust systems
  • Partner with design engineering to improve manufacturability, reliability, testability, and producibility
  • Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for propulsion manufacturing issues
  • Develop work instructions, quality standards, and inspection methods
  • Support supplier qualification, process validation, and production readiness reviews
  • Lead DFM/DFA reviews and transition new products into manufacturing
  • Support system integration, validation, and troubleshooting activities
  • Define manufacturing standards, process controls, and acceptance criteria
  • Support failure analysis and reliability improvement initiatives
  • Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and test engineering teams
  • Mentor junior manufacturing engineers


Tools & skills:

  • MES & QMS systems
  • 3DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter (PLM) systems
  • Supplier manufacturing processes
  • 5S/visual management
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


Required qualifications:

  • 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting propulsion or fluid systems
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing
  • Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
  • Experience with:
  • Engine assembly and integration
  • Fuel and oil systems
  • Precision fluid system manufacturing
  • Aerospace propulsion hardware
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing process development and production scaling
  • Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies


Preferred qualifications:

  • Aerospace or defense industry experience
  • Experience supporting turbine, piston, hybrid-electric, or UAV propulsion systems
  • Knowledge of pressure systems, leak testing, and fluid handling
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing and production optimization
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis
  • Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
  • Proficiency in CAD software


$120,000 - $190,000 a year

#LI-JM1

#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

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