Principal Propulsion Engineer (R6453)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

17d•$260,000 - $400,000

About The Position

Shield AI is seeking a senior technical contributor for its propulsion team to design, release, and continually improve mechanical components and assemblies for internal combustion and jet propulsion systems on UAV platforms. The engineer will lead complex CAD efforts, uphold design standards, and work with Responsible Engineers, technicians, machinists, and production teams to deliver propulsion hardware that is functional, manufacturable, and testable. The role is central to configuration control, interface discipline, and design-for-execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
At least 7 years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace; direct propulsion hardware experience is preferred.
Expert-level proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation; NX is preferred, along with application of GD&T.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with production, machine shop personnel, and technicians to solve real-time hardware issues.
Familiarity with design for manufacturing, including machining processes, surface modeling, stack-up analysis, and fabrication limitations.
Hands-on experience developing assembly work instructions, troubleshooting build issues, and implementing hardware-driven design changes.
Experience with configuration management, PLM systems such as Teamcenter, and BOM structure.
U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements, and ability to obtain a Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, or other mechanical and thermal analysis tools.
Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, data analysis, or simulation support.
Proficiency in interface control and tolerance stack-up analysis for complex assemblies.
Knowledge of fastening methods and joint design for high-vibration aerospace environments.
Familiarity with high-temperature materials and design practices for thermally stressed components.
Prior experience designing hardware for internal combustion, turbine, or rocket propulsion systems, particularly in development or test environments.
M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

Own the design of propulsion components and subsystems from concept through production release.
Develop and maintain CAD models, detailed drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with fully applied GD&T.
Write and enforce propulsion design standards and contribute to company-wide design best practices.
Collaborate with the machine shop, production team, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements.
Develop initial work instructions, assembly guidance, and design documentation for repeatability and scalability.
Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective, accounting for machining, tolerances, materials, and assembly workflows.
Apply engineering analysis and judgment, including hand calculations and tools such as GFSSP, ANSYS, FEA, and REFPROP, to support sizing, load cases, and design validation.
Support configuration management, BOM control, and change processes using Teamcenter or equivalent PLM.
Participate in design reviews, interface control working groups, and root cause investigations.