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Staff Engineer, Propulsion Systems Advance Manufacturing (R5185)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a Staff Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing engineering activities for advanced propulsion and fluid systems used in aerospace and defense applications. This role supports engine integration, fuel systems, oil systems, pumps, and related propulsion hardware from development through production. 

The ideal candidate has deep experience with propulsion-related manufacturing processes, fluid systems integration, and production support for mission-critical hardware. 

What you'll do:

  • Lead manufacturing engineering support for propulsion and fluid system assemblies  
  • Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and production flows for: 
  • Engines and propulsion systems  
  • Fuel systems and fuel tanks  
  • Oil and lubrication systems  
  • Pumps and fluid control hardware  
  • Aerospace vector and thrust systems  
  • Partner with design engineering to improve manufacturability, reliability, testability, and producibility 
  • Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for propulsion manufacturing issues 
  • Develop work instructions, quality standards, and inspection methods  
  • Support supplier qualification, process validation, and production readiness reviews 
  • Lead DFM/DFA reviews and transition new products into manufacturing 
  • Support system integration, validation, and troubleshooting activities 
  • Define manufacturing standards, process controls, and acceptance criteria 
  • Support failure analysis and reliability improvement initiatives 
  • Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and test engineering teams 
  • Mentor junior manufacturing engineers 

Tools & skills:

  • MES & QMS systems
  • 3DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter (PLM) systems
  • Supplier manufacturing processes
  • 5S/visual management
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Required qualifications:

  • 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting propulsion or fluid systems  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing 
  • Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment. 
  • Experience with:  
  • Engine assembly and integration  
  • Fuel and oil systems  
  • Precision fluid system manufacturing  
  • Aerospace propulsion hardware  
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities. 
  • Knowledge of manufacturing process development and production scaling  
  • Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles  
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies  

Preferred qualifications:

  • Aerospace or defense industry experience  
  • Experience supporting turbine, piston, hybrid-electric, or UAV propulsion systems  
  • Knowledge of pressure systems, leak testing, and fluid handling  
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing and production optimization 
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis 
  • Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines 
  • Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001 
  • Proficiency in CAD software 
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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