Senior Staff Propulsion Design Engineer (R3300) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

Requirements

  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline
  • 7–10+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably with aerospace propulsion or fluid systems
  • Advanced proficiency in CAD (NX preferred), GD&T, and complex assembly modeling
  • Strong understanding of design-for-manufacturing principles, tolerance analysis, and structural integration
  • Hands-on experience supporting prototype builds, resolving non-conformances, and executing design improvements
  • Demonstrated experience with analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, GFSSP, REFPROP, FEA)
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts and mentor junior engineers
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements
  • Preferred qualifications
  • Background in low-bypass turbofan or UAV propulsion systems
  • Experience with thermal, structural, and fluid system design for high-performance aircraft
  • Familiarity with supplier management, configuration control, and PLM systems (Teamcenter)
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • Strong communication and leadership skills with a track record of delivering complex aerospace systems from concept to flight

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, analysis, and integration of propulsion system components and subsystems
  • Drive the development of CAD models, assemblies, and fully dimensioned drawings with GD&T in Siemens NX
  • Define propulsion system interfaces, tolerances, and load paths in collaboration with structures, propulsion, and systems teams
  • Conduct and review analyses—thermal, structural, and fluid flow—to validate designs and guide decision-making
  • Support ground and flight test operations, including build support, anomaly resolution, and test data correlation
  • Oversee supplier collaboration, design reviews, and manufacturing readiness for critical components
  • Develop and enforce design standards, configuration control, and documentation best practices
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the maturation of propulsion design processes and methodologies

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Siemens NXGD&TCADThermal AnalysisStructural AnalysisFluid Flow AnalysisPropulsion SystemsUAV DesignSystems IntegrationManufacturing ReadinessTest OperationsSupplier Management

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the Senior Staff Propulsion Design Engineer role?

Required qualifications include a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline, 7–10+ years of experience in mechanical design preferably with aerospace propulsion or fluid systems, advanced proficiency in CAD (NX preferred), GD&T, and complex assembly modeling, strong understanding of design-for-manufacturing principles, hands-on experience with prototype builds, experience with analysis tools like ANSYS, and U.S. Citizenship or ITAR compliance.

What are the preferred qualifications for this position?

Preferred qualifications include background in low-bypass turbofan or UAV propulsion systems, experience with thermal, structural, and fluid system design for high-performance aircraft, and familiarity with supplier management.

Is this a remote position, or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What experience stands out for a strong application to this role?

Candidates with 7–10+ years in mechanical design for aerospace propulsion or fluid systems, advanced CAD proficiency in NX, hands-on prototype build experience, and leadership in cross-functional teams will be strongest.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$772.8MTotal Funding
DEBTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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