Full-Time
Senior Staff Engineer
Aero-Propulsion Engineer
Confirmed live in the last 24 hours
Shield AI
501-1,000 employees
Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense
Compensation Overview
$161k - $241.5k/yr
Expert
Dallas, TX, USA
Onsite position in the Dallas metro area.
US Top Secret Clearance Required
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of industry experience
- 5+ years of experience in aero-propulsion system design, integration, and testing
- Expertise in inlet and nozzle design for air-breathing engines
- Experience with ground and flight testing of propulsion systems
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
- Lead aero-propulsion system design and optimization for aircraft platforms
- Optimize propulsion integration with airframe and mission requirements
- Drive aircraft inlet and nozzle design using a range of approaches from first-order to complex CFD and test
- Integrate propulsion models into aircraft performance estimation tools
- Define propulsion system architecture, including engine selection, thrust vectoring system design, and power management strategies
- Collaborate cross-functionally with airframe, controls, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless propulsion integration
- Work closely with suppliers and partners to evaluate and select propulsion system components
- Drive testing and validation, including wind tunnel, ground, and flight tests, to refine propulsion performance and reliability
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on propulsion-related initiatives.
- Background in external aerodynamics
- Experience working in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment.
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'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
6 month growth
↑ 1%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 0%Shield AI partners with Korea Aerospace Industries to advance AI-powered autonomy with Hivemind Enterprise.
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.
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.
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
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.