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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,X, YouTubeand Instagram.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled Propulsion Technician to join our team, specializing in UAV propulsion systems. In this role, you will be responsible for the assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of aerospace-grade engines in both test cell environments and pre/post-flight operations. Our team owns the engine from start to finish, requiring technicians with a high level of expertise, attention to detail, and a strong problem-solving mindset.
We are particularly looking for candidates with an A&P license, prior experience working with aircraft engines, and a background in aerospace companies or military aviation maintenance. If you are a self-starter, high-energy technician who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.
What you'll do:
- Conduct engine assembly, disassembly, and integration for UAV propulsion systems.
- Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, ensuring all propulsion systems meet operational standards.
- Operate test cells for engine validation, tuning, and troubleshooting.
- Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and performance issues related to propulsion systems.
- Work closely with engineers and flight test teams to ensure system readiness.
- Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, inspections, and modifications.
- Follow strict safety protocols and standard operating procedures in handling high-performance UAV propulsion systems.
Required qualifications:
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience working on aircraft engines (military or civilian).
- Prior experience at an aerospace company or military aviation unit.
- Strong troubleshooting skills with gas turbine, reciprocating, or hybrid propulsion systems.
- Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and engineering documents.
- Comfortable working in high-energy, high-precision environments.
- Strong safety mindset, with meticulous attention to detail.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
Preferred qualifications:
- Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License.
- Military background, particularly in jet propulsion, UAVs, or rotary-wing aircraft.
- Experience with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propulsion.
- Knowledge of fuel systems, ignition systems, and advanced propulsion technologies.
- Hands-on experience with engine dynamometers, test cells, or ground support equipment.
- FAA Powerplant or military equivalent engine qualifications.
- Ability to work independently, taking ownership of full-cycle propulsion system maintenance.
This role is ideal for high-energy, motivated individuals who understand what it takes to do the job well while maintaining precision and safety. If you’re ready to bring your propulsion expertise to an advanced UAV program, apply now!
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Shield AI and has not been reviewed or approved by Shield AI.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as excellent, spanning medical, dental, vision, mental‑health EAP, and optional pet insurance. Location‑based wellness perks such as onsite or discounted gym access reinforce the health offering.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is positioned as a standard component of total rewards for full‑time employees, with stock/RSUs noted across roles. Access appears broad‑based rather than limited to select cohorts.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time‑off programs highlight paid parental leave alongside an accrual‑based PTO structure with a high carryover cap. Flexibility elements such as flexible hours complement the core leave offering.
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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