Full-Time

Staff Propulsion Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

Compensation Overview

$141.3k - $212k/yr

+ Bonus + Equity

Senior

Dallas, TX, USA

Onsite position in the Dallas metro area.

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Propulsion
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
  • Experience in mechanical engineering, systems engineering or similar
  • CAD modeling experience
  • Proficient at tolerance analysis, ANSI drawing standards, and common inspection equipment and methodology
  • Developed system architecture for aerospace applications
  • Lead engineer experienced in all phases of product development, from concept to production release
  • High functioning in a cross functional environment
  • Expert in hardware testing with demonstrated experience in leading and managing multiple projects
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
  • Demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
  • Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes
  • Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment
Responsibilities
  • Lead multiple propulsion system development, analysis and test projects related to aircraft engines, engine components, and fuel systems.
  • Develop system and subsystem requirements that meet performance, reliability and overall product requirements.
  • Multi-disciplined engineer, regularly interfacing with electrical, mechanical, software and flight sciences in a cross functional environment.
  • Lead verification and validation test plans for fuel system, propulsion performance characterization, reliability and durability, aerodynamic performance, environmental, and acoustic performance.
  • Develop system architecture, balancing weight, performance, productionization, operations and maintenance considerations.
  • Produce technical reports to capture and communicate the findings of the propulsion system design and development.
  • Perform system, subsystem, and component trade studies.
  • Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, CAD, and FEA.
  • Act as point of contact for test campaigns and collaborate with design, systems engineering and external testing/propulsion manufacturing partners.
  • Use data and analysis to set acceptance criteria for production and engineering propulsion hardware testing.
  • Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within hardware development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of FEA principles
  • Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
  • Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings
  • Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communications are unavailable. Shield AI primarily serves government and defense clients, including various branches of the U.S. military, and generates revenue through contracts with these organizations. What sets Shield AI apart from its competitors is its focus on enhancing operational safety and efficiency through advanced technology, as well as its strategic acquisitions, like Martin UAV. The company's goal is to protect lives by providing innovative solutions that improve military capabilities.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Late Stage VC

Total Funding

$1.3B

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Recent $240M funding round boosts Shield AI's growth and Hivemind deployment.
  • Partnerships with Korea Aerospace and Booz Allen enhance AI-powered autonomy solutions.
  • Growing demand for AI in defense presents opportunities for Shield AI's technologies.

What critics are saying

  • Emerging AI defense startups increase competition, challenging Shield AI's market position.
  • Geopolitical tensions may affect international partnerships and collaborations.
  • Reliance on major government contracts poses risks if funding priorities shift.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
  • The company focuses on AI systems for defense, enhancing military operations and safety.
  • Strategic acquisitions like Martin UAV expand Shield AI's capabilities in autonomous systems.

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Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
PR Newswire
Mar 20th, 2025
Shield AI partners with Korea Aerospace Industries to advance AI-powered autonomy with Hivemind Enterprise

Shield AI partners with Korea Aerospace Industries to advance AI-powered autonomy with Hivemind Enterprise.

Yahoo Finance
Mar 18th, 2025
Booz Allen and Shield AI Partnership Brings New Autonomous Airborne Solutions to U.S. Military

The partnership will combine Booz Allen's deep mission engineering expertise with Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise platform, initially focused on building solutions for the Department of Defense.

Chosun Ilbo
Mar 13th, 2025
Hanwha Asset Management invests in US defense startup Shield AI's growth

Earlier, Shield AI announced on the 6th that it secured $240 million in funding from strategic investor Hanwha Aerospace and existing investors such as Andreessen Horowitz.

PR Newswire
Mar 12th, 2025
Shield Ai Appoints Gary Steele As Ceo, Ryan Tseng Named President

SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software and defense aircraft, today announced a leadership transition designed to accelerate the company's next phase of growth. Gary Steele, a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience scaling global technology enterprises, will join Shield AI as CEO on May 13, 2025. Steele will also join Shield AI's Board of Directors, bringing a proven track record of driving high-growth companies toward operational scale and market leadership.After a decade as Co-Founder and CEO, Ryan Tseng has made the decision to step down from his role and transition into Co-Founder and President, where he will focus on driving senior level engagement with the US and foreign policy and defense leaders, as well as with aerospace and defense companies. Under Ryan's leadership, Shield AI has achieved extraordinary growth, expanding to more than 900 teammates, raising over $1 billion in funding, and becoming the fourth multi-billion-dollar defense technology company."Among my most important responsibilities has always been ensuring Shield AI is led by the absolute best person for the role. Exceptional leaders prioritize mission, embody honor, are service-driven, intellectually rigorous, tireless in effort, wise in judgment, and introspective," said Ryan Tseng. "Over the past year, with the demand for autonomy solutions at scale and the growth of our aircraft business, it became unmistakably clear that Shield AI required a leader with not only deep software expertise but proven experience scaling technology organizations

GovCon Wire
Mar 7th, 2025
Shield AI Closes $240M Funding Round

Learn more about the $240 million F-1 strategic financing round closed by Shield AI to help expand the deployment of its Hivemind Enterprise AI-powered autonomy software suite.