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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead propulsion test planning and execution for X-BAT, overseeing engine, hover, static, and integrated propulsion tests. Define test objectives, procedures, hazard analyses, instrumentation, and safety documentation. Provide technical oversight during runs, support root-cause investigations, and collaborate with autonomy, avionics, and instrumentation teams. Support field deployments and test campaigns.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a highly experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test planning and execution for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. In this role, you will shape the propulsion test strategy, direct complex engine and hover test campaigns, and provide technical leadership across the program to ensure safe and rapid development of a next-generation autonomous aircraft.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in jet propulsion testing, developmental flight test operations, to include mission control room operations, and high-energy ground testing. You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers, instrumentation specialists, and safety organizations to define test objectives, assess risk, and deliver the data required to advance the aircraft through its test envelope.
This is a high-impact role for a technical leader who thrives in fast-paced, experimental environments and who wants to help define the future of autonomous aviation.
What you'll do:
- Support engine, hover, static, and integrated propulsion test campaigns for X-BAT including planning, execution, and post-test analysis.
- Advise on propulsion system readiness and define test objectives, test point development, build up approach, success criteria, and instrumentation requirements.
- Develop and review test procedures, hazard analyses, run cards, and safety documentation for high-energy test operations.
- Provide technical oversight during engine runs, hover tests, transition testing, and propulsion-autonomy integration events.
- Serve as a propulsion subject-matter expert during Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Test Hazard Analyses (THAs), and Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessments
- Support root-cause investigations related to propulsion performance, engine controls, thermal behavior, vibration, and integration issues.
- Partner with Autonomy and Avionics teams to evaluate propulsion-related interactions such as thrust control logic, response lags, fail-safes, and emergency behaviors.
- Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering to ensure data quality, test post process analysis, reporting, timing, and fidelity across propulsion channels.
- Support field deployments, remote test sites, and intensive test cycles as required to meet program schedules.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines, VTOL systems, unmanned aircraft, or developmental flight test programs.
- Demonstrated expertise executing and analyzing engine tests, hover/transition events, and integrated propulsion-airframe testing.
- Strong understanding of engine controls, FADEC systems, thrust measurement, thermal analysis, and vibration/loads behavior.
- Experience writing and reviewing high-energy test procedures, readiness documentation, and hazard analyses.
- Proven ability to operate safely and decisively in fast-paced test environments.
- Excellent communication skills and demonstrated performance in multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
- Ability to travel and support extended field test deployments.
Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience with tail-sitter, VTOL, or thrust-vectoring propulsion systems.
- Background in autonomy-powered aircraft, propulsion-system modeling, or propulsion-flight-control integration.
- Familiarity with IRIG, PCM, instrumentation requirements, and high-rate telemetry data.
- Experience supporting complex investigations or leading propulsion technical review boards.
- Prior involvement in developmental or experimental flight test programs.
- Experience with compressed-air starts, engine-health monitoring systems, or high-temperature structural analysis.
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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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
- 8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines, VTOL systems, unmanned aircraft, or developmental flight test programs
- Demonstrated expertise executing and analyzing engine tests, hover/transition events, and integrated propulsion-airframe testing
- Strong understanding of engine controls, FADEC systems, thrust measurement, thermal analysis, and vibration/loads behavior
- Experience writing and reviewing high-energy test procedures, readiness documentation, and hazard analyses
- Proven ability to operate safely and decisively in fast-paced test environments
- Excellent communication skills and demonstrated performance in multidisciplinary engineering organizations
- Ability to travel and support extended field test deployments
- Master's degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
- Experience with tail-sitter, VTOL, or thrust-vectoring propulsion systems
- Background in autonomy-powered aircraft, propulsion-system modeling, or propulsion-flight-control integration
- Familiarity with IRIG, PCM, instrumentation requirements, and high-rate telemetry data
- Experience supporting complex investigations or leading propulsion technical review boards
- Experience with compressed-air starts, engine-health monitoring systems, or high-temperature structural analysis
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
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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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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
