Senior 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 building intelligent aircraft with AI pilots capable of executing complex missions in denied environments. As a Senior Jet Propulsion Engineer on the next-gen UAV program, you’ll lead the technical development of turbine-based propulsion systems from early architecture to flight integration.

You will define, analyze, and guide the implementation of propulsion solutions tailored for unmanned, long-endurance, tactical aircraft. Your expertise will shape decisions across engine selection, performance modeling, thermal coupling, and mechanical integration. This is a high-impact role where propulsion capability directly determines platform mission success.

We're seeking an engineer with deep domain knowledge in jet propulsion, thermodynamic cycle analysis, and aircraft integration—someone excited to work hands-on and architect the heart of a new aerial system.

• Architect and design the jet propulsion system for a next-gen UAV, including engine selection, thrust sizing, and performance margins
• Define and own system-level requirements across thrust, fuel efficiency, thermal output, altitude performance, and integration constraints
• Conduct detailed thermodynamic cycle analysis and performance modeling using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, NPSS, and Thermal Desktop
• Collaborate with fuel, thermal, controls, and mechanical teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Lead trade studies across engine configurations, mounting architectures, and environmental adaptability
• Guide instrumentation and test planning to evaluate engine performance across the flight envelope
• Interface with vendors and internal teams to validate specifications and ensure hardware meets mission needs
• Author documentation including propulsion performance specs, design justifications, and test plans
• Participate in platform-level design reviews and own propulsion risk areas
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team’s technical direction and roadmap

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering
• 8+ years of experience working with gas turbine engines, either in R&D, integration, or performance modeling
• Strong background in engine thermodynamics, combustion, airflow, and thrust prediction
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, NPSS, and system modeling environments
• Hands-on experience in either engine system development or integration into flight platforms
• Working knowledge of mechanical mounting, vibration isolation, and fuel/thermal interface management
• Clear communication skills and ability to operate in an interdisciplinary team

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in propulsion
• Experience with UAV propulsion systems, hybrid-electric jets, or small turbine engines
• Familiarity with MIL-STD, DO-160, or aerospace qualification environments
• Exposure to engine control systems, FADEC, or embedded propulsion software
• Past participation in flight testing or propulsion qualification campaigns
• Active or prior DoD clearance (not required)

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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.

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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.