Senior Propulsion Engineer
Shield AI
This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at Shield AI.See open jobs similar to "Senior Propulsion Engineer" Homebrew.What you will do in this role:
- Lead the conceptual design and system architecture of a jet propulsion system for an unmanned aircraft
- Define key performance targets and constraints related to thrust, fuel consumption, heat rejection, and vibration
- Develop and analyze propulsion system requirements, control strategies, and failure modes
- Collaborate with the fuel, thermal, fluids, and mechanical design teams to ensure tight subsystem integration
- Evaluate and down select hardware (turbine engines, pumps, sensors, mounts, isolation systems) through trade studies and supplier engagement
- Conduct analytical modeling using MATLAB/Simulink, NPSS, and Thermal Desktop for system behavior under various flight regimes
- Author technical documents including requirements, FMEA, validation plans, and performance specs
- Participate in vehicle design reviews and lead propulsion-specific working groups
- Partner with test engineers to support prototype rig build-out, instrumentation plans, and performance validation
- Help transition propulsion designs from R&D to prototype and eventually to low-rate production
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in propulsion system development, preferably for aerospace or UAVs
- Background in gas turbine propulsion, engine performance modeling, or system-level propulsion integration
- Experience using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Thermal Desktop, NPSS, or similar for analytical modeling
- Strong system-level thinking with an ability to translate vehicle goals into propulsion architecture
- Familiarity with CAD (e.g., Creo, NX) and ability to work closely with hardware designers
- Hands-on experience with propulsion hardware testing, data interpretation, and root cause analysis
- Excellent technical communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Preferred qualifications:
- MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or fast-cycle defense aircraft development programs
- Familiarity with engine controls, embedded sensors, and thermal management
- Exposure to MIL-STD testing, DO-160, or qualification of flight-critical propulsion components
- Understanding of fuel system and thermal coupling
- Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)
This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at Shield AI.See open jobs similar to "Senior Propulsion Engineer" Homebrew.