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Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Technical Program Manager to help drive execution across the Shield AI X-BAT propulsion team. This role partners closely with propulsion engineers and technicians to coordinate development activities across engine hardware, fuel systems, fluid systems, test campaigns, and integration with the aircraft.
You will work alongside the propulsion engineering team and applicable suppliers to ensure technical work progresses in alignment with vehicle-level milestones, schedules, and program objectives. This role requires someone who can understand technical challenges, manage cross-functional coordination, and push programs forward with measurable results. The ideal candidate has an engineering background but thrives in bringing teams together, removing obstacles, and staying hands-on when necessary to ensure success.

What you'll do:

  • Partner with propulsion engineers and Responsible Engineers (REs) to plan and execute propulsion development activities across engine hardware, subsystems, and testing.
  • Drive propulsion program schedules and ensure alignment with vehicle-level milestones and flight readiness objectives.
  • Coordinate work across propulsion, design, fluids, controls, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams.
  • Track technical progress, identify risks, and drive mitigation plans to maintain schedule and performance targets.
  • Manage propulsion-related suppliers and external partners, including schedule tracking, technical coordination, and delivery performance.
  • Translate complex technical work into clear program status, risks, and actions for leadership and stakeholders.
  • Facilitate technical reviews, program checkpoints, and cross-team integration discussions.
  • Support propulsion test campaigns and development programs by coordinating resources, schedules, and deliverables.
  • Drive accountability and measurable outcomes while maintaining strong collaboration with engineering teams.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
  • Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
  • Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Prior experience working directly with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
  • Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
  • Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
  • Familiarity with program management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, or similar planning tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate in high-ownership, hardware-centric engineering environments.
  • Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.) is a plus.
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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