Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit [<www.shield.ai>](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI).

### Job Description

We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.

### What you'll do

• Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations.
• Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support.
• Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
• Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation.
• Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware.
• Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams.
• Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations.
• Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results.
• Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware.

### Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments.
• Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
• Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints.
• Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

### Preferred qualifications

• Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP.
• Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
• Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization.
• Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
• Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.