Senior Engineer, Propulsion Design - Ranger (R6346)
About The Position
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer to support the development and delivery of propulsion hardware for the Ranger next-generation UAV. The role covers the full lifecycle of propulsion system components, from early layout and design through production release, test support, and flight operations. The engineer will help turn propulsion architecture into manufacturable, testable, and flight-ready hardware for engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented, cross-functional role involving close collaboration with propulsion responsible engineers, technicians, machinists, production, controls, airframe, and flight test teams. The position also supports hardware builds, test campaigns, configuration management, design reviews, and investigations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience in aerospace hardware design, preferably supporting propulsion systems.
- Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation; NX is preferred.
- Sound application of GD&T.
- Experience working directly with production, technicians, and machine shops to resolve build issues.
- Understanding of design for manufacturing, including machining limitations, tolerance stack-ups, and assembly workflows.
- Some hands-on experience developing assembly guidance and supporting hardware builds and test integration.
- U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with jet propulsion systems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.
- Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or FEA for design trade studies and validation.
- Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, analysis, or data processing.
- Experience with interface control, fastener selection for high-vibration environments, and high-temperature materials.
- Experience designing hardware in test-driven development environments with rapid iteration cycles.
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
Responsibilities
- Own the design and release of propulsion hardware supporting engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems.
- Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with appropriate GD&T.
- Translate propulsion architecture and requirements into manufacturable, testable, and flight-robust hardware.
- Work with the machine shop, production, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements.
- Support test campaigns with hardware design support, instrumentation accommodation, and rapid iteration based on test findings.
- Apply engineering judgment and analysis, including hand calculations, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, and REFPROP, for 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 efforts, and root cause investigations related to propulsion hardware.
Benefits
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
