Senior Staff Propulsion Engineer (TVC) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Defense, Deep TechIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
7+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion or flight control systems, with relevant experience owning subsystem development
Deep understanding of nozzle dynamics, actuation systems, mechanical integration, and structural/thermal constraints
Demonstrated experience in hardware development, test planning, and flight test support
Strong proficiency in Python for performance analysis, data processing, and model correlation
Familiarity with tools such as ANSYS, FEA, or thermal/fluid modeling for mechanism and system validation
U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with TVC or control effector systems on UAVs, tactical aircraft, or rocket platforms
Familiarity with low-bypass turbofan engines and integration constraints near hot-end propulsion hardware
Experience collaborating on control logic development, transient response shaping, and actuator tuning
Proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter for CAD and configuration control
Background in failure modes analysis, margin modeling, and system validation strategies
M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline

Responsibilities

Act as the single-threaded owner for the TVC system, accountable for all technical decisions from concept to flight
Define and manage system requirements, performance goals, and mechanical/electrical interfaces
Design and integrate vectoring mechanisms with the engine and surrounding structure
Lead ground and flight testing of the TVC system, including instrumentation planning, data collection, and performance evaluation
Analyze control authority, vectoring bandwidth, and dynamic response across the flight envelope
Collaborate with the controls team to shape vectoring logic and ensure closed-loop system performance meets CONOPS requirements
Own fault management, failure investigations, and system reliability strategies
Represent the TVC system in design reviews, technical checkpoints, customer briefings, and leadership updates

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Thrust Vector ControlTVCPropulsion EngineeringSystem RequirementsMechanical DesignElectrical InterfacesFlight TestingGround TestingControl Authority AnalysisVectoring BandwidthDynamic ResponseFault ManagementInstrumentation PlanningData Analysis

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

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

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, 7+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion or flight control systems with subsystem development ownership, deep understanding of nozzle dynamics, actuation systems, mechanical integration, and structural/thermal constraints, experience in hardware development, test planning, and flight test support, strong proficiency in Python, familiarity with ANSYS, FEA, or thermal/fluid modeling tools, and U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

What are the preferred qualifications for this position?

Preferred qualifications include experience with TVC or control effector systems on UAVs, tactical aircraft, or rocket platforms and familiarity with low-by.

Is this a remote position, or is there a location requirement?

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 makes a candidate stand out for this propulsion engineer role?

Candidates with 7+ years in aerospace propulsion or flight control systems, experience owning subsystem development, deep knowledge of nozzle dynamics and actuation, hands-on hardware and flight test experience, Python proficiency, and preferably TVC experience on UAVs or similar platforms 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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