Principal Propulsion Engineer (Jet)
Shield AI
What you will do in this role:
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engine REs across concept development, design, test, and flight.
- Guide teams through system-level tradeoffs, performance margin closure, and mission-readiness validation.
- Anticipate integration, control, or operability risks before they materialize, and shape mitigation strategies.
- Drive and facilitate root cause investigations for engine-related anomalies and failures.
- Review and challenge engine designs, control strategies, instrumentation plans, and data interpretation.
- Help shape the long-term technical roadmap for engine capability, test maturity, and team development.
- Influence engineering processes, best practices, and team alignment across propulsion and vehicle-level teams.
- Act as a trusted voice in design reviews, leadership strategy sessions, and customer technical engagements.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 15+ years of experience in jet engine development, test, and integration.
- Demonstrated mastery of all responsibilities and qualifications expected of less senior Propulsion Engineers, including full lifecycle engine ownership.
- Deep experience with engine performance modeling, transient behavior, test planning, and instrumentation.
- Proven ability to lead teams through failure analysis, root cause, and corrective action at the system level.
- Strong command of aerospace propulsion fundamentals, engine/airframe integration, and mission-level performance impact.
- Proficiency in Python or similar for data analysis, automation, and performance modeling.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with low-bypass turbofan engines for UAVs, tactical aircraft, or similar aerospace platforms.
- Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or FEA for thermal, fluid, or structural modeling.
- Background in rocket propulsion, especially in turbomachinery, controls, or test-intensive environments.
- Experience developing or enforcing engineering standards, team processes, and integration frameworks.
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.