Senior Engineer, Propulsion Design - Ranger (R6346)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

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 spans the lifecycle of propulsion system components, from early layout and design through production release, test support, and flight operations. The engineer will help convert propulsion architecture into manufacturable, testable, and flight-ready hardware for engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems, working closely with propulsion engineers, technicians, machinists, production, controls, airframe, and flight test teams. The position includes owning propulsion hardware design and release; developing CAD models, drawings, and assemblies in Siemens NX; and applying GD&T and engineering analysis to validate designs. The engineer will work with production teams to resolve build issues, support test campaigns and rapid design iteration, and contribute to configuration management, design reviews, interface control, and root cause 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 real-world 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.
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Own the design and release of propulsion hardware for engine, fuel, oil, and bleed air systems.
Develop and maintain CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX and proper GD&T.
Translate propulsion architecture and requirements into hardware that is manufacturable, testable, and robust in flight.
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 iteration based on test findings.
Apply engineering judgment and analysis, including hand calculations, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, 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 efforts, and root cause investigations related to propulsion hardware.
Develop assembly guidance and support hardware builds and test integration.