Skip to content

Senior Propulsion Design Engineer (R4642)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer to support the development and delivery of propulsion hardware for the X-BAT platform, a next-generation UAV powered by a low-bypass turbofan engine. This role spans the full lifecycle of propulsion system components - from early layout and design through production release, test support, and flight operations.

You will be a key contributor to turning propulsion architecture into manufacturable, testable, and flight-ready hardware across the engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems. This role is hands-on, detail-oriented, and highly cross-functional - requiring close collaboration with propulsion REs, technicians, machinists, production, controls, airframe, and flight test teams.

What you will do in this role:

  • Own the design and release of propulsion hardware supporting the engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems.
  • Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with proper GD&T.
  • Translate propulsion architecture and requirements into hardware that is manufacturable, testable, and robust in flight.
  • Work directly with the machine shop, production, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements.
  • Support test campaigns by providing hardware design support, instrumentation accommodation, and rapid iteration based on test findings.
  • Apply engineering judgment and analysis (e.g., hand calcs, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, REFPROP) to support sizing, load cases, and design validation.
  • Support configuration management, BOM control, and change processes using Teamcenter or equivalent PLM.
  • Participate in design reviews, interface control efforts, and root cause investigations related to propulsion hardware.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace hardware design, preferably supporting propulsion systems.
  • Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) with sound application of GD&T.
  • Experience working directly with production, technicians, and machine shops to resolve real-world build issues.
  • Understanding of design for manufacturing, including machining limitations, tolerance stack-ups, and assembly workflows.
  • Some hands-on experience developing assembly guidance and supporting hardware builds and test integration.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with jet propulsion systems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.
  • Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or FEA to support design trade studies and validation.
  • Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, analysis, or data processing.
  • Experience with interface control, fastener selection for high-vibration environments, and high-temperature materials.
  • Experience designing hardware in test-driven development environments with rapid iteration cycles.
  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a 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.

Go to company profile