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Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.

What you'll do:

  • Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations.
  • Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support.
  • Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
  • Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation.
  • Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware.
  • Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams.
  • Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations.
  • Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results.
  • Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments.
  • Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints.
  • Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware.
  • Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP.
  • Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
  • Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization.
  • Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
  • Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
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.
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. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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