Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

Shield AI•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Shield AI is seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, which is powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role will oversee the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware, including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components. These components operate in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for the cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role demands strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.