Staff Engineer, Propulsion Systems Advance Manufacturing (R5185)
About The Position
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. We are seeking a Staff Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing engineering activities for advanced propulsion and fluid systems used in aerospace and defense applications. This role supports engine integration, fuel systems, oil systems, pumps, and related propulsion hardware from development through production. The ideal candidate has deep experience with propulsion-related manufacturing processes, fluid systems integration, and production support for mission-critical hardware.
Requirements
- 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting propulsion or fluid systems
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing
- Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
- Experience with: Engine assembly and integration, Fuel and oil systems, Precision fluid system manufacturing, Aerospace propulsion hardware
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- Knowledge of manufacturing process development and production scaling
- Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles
- Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace or defense industry experience
- Experience supporting turbine, piston, hybrid-electric, or UAV propulsion systems
- Knowledge of pressure systems, leak testing, and fluid handling
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing and production optimization
- Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
- Proficiency in CAD software
Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing engineering support for propulsion and fluid system assemblies
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and production flows for: Engines and propulsion systems, Fuel systems and fuel tanks, Oil and lubrication systems, Pumps and fluid control hardware, Aerospace vector and thrust systems
- Partner with design engineering to improve manufacturability, reliability, testability, and producibility
- Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for propulsion manufacturing issues
- Develop work instructions, quality standards, and inspection methods
- Support supplier qualification, process validation, and production readiness reviews
- Lead DFM/DFA reviews and transition new products into manufacturing
- Support system integration, validation, and troubleshooting activities
- Define manufacturing standards, process controls, and acceptance criteria
- Support failure analysis and reliability improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and test engineering teams
- Mentor junior manufacturing engineers
Benefits
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
- Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
