Principal Jet Propulsion Engineer

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

Job Description:

Shield AI is designing autonomous aircraft capable of operating in highly contested environments. As a Principal Jet Propulsion Engineer, you will be the technical lead responsible for the selection, performance modeling, integration, and validation of gas turbine propulsion systems for our next-gen UAV.

You will architect the propulsion configuration, lead engine system-level analysis, and guide integration across mechanical, thermal, fuel, and control subsystems. Your work will directly impact vehicle range, altitude performance, mission reliability, and long-term scalability. This role demands deep domain expertise, system-level foresight, and hands-on leadership through the full lifecycle of jet propulsion development.

We’re looking for a principal-level propulsion leader with 15+ years of experience working on jet-powered systems, who can turn thermodynamic theory into high-performance flight reality.

• Own the technical strategy for jet propulsion system architecture, including engine selection, mounting, thrust requirements, and endurance modeling
• Perform detailed cycle analysis, performance trade studies, and thermal evaluations using tools such as NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and Thermal Desktop
• Lead integration of jet propulsion systems with fuel, thermal, mechanical, and avionics teams, ensuring coherent system-level performance
• Guide all phases of propulsion development: requirements definition, supplier evaluation, integration strategy, and test/validation planning
• Author propulsion-related documentation including FMEAs, hazard analyses, and interface control documents
• Serve as the subject matter expert for jet propulsion across vehicle programs, providing insight on both short-term configuration and long-term propulsion scalability
• Engage with engine manufacturers and external vendors to evaluate system capabilities and manage technical risk
• Collaborate with flight test and data teams to correlate modeling assumptions with real-world performance
• Represent the propulsion system in high-level design reviews and program-level decision-making
• Mentor a cross-functional team of propulsion, fuel, and fluids engineers across platform workstreams

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• 15+ years of experience in jet propulsion, gas turbines, or similar aircraft propulsion domains
• Deep knowledge of thermodynamic cycle analysis, thrust modeling, fuel consumption, and engine performance under various flight regimes
• Proficiency with simulation tools such as NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Thermal Desktop
• Demonstrated experience integrating jet propulsion systems into aircraft (manned or unmanned)
• Strong familiarity with combustion dynamics, turbine hardware, engine controls, and system-level packaging constraints
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills and ability to influence engineering strategy at the platform level

• PhD or MS in Aerospace Propulsion or Turbomachinery
• Prior experience on UAVs, military aircraft, or advanced R&D propulsion programs
• Familiarity with DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or other aerospace propulsion standards
• Hands-on experience with engine ground/flight test campaigns
• Prior engagement with FADEC systems, embedded control loops, or hybrid propulsion architectures
• Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)

#LI-JW2

#LF

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 proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.