Staff Engineer, Propulsion Systems Advance Manufacturing (R5185)

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Dallas, TX, USA
In-Office
120K-190K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead manufacturing engineering for propulsion and fluid systems from development to production. Develop and optimize processes, tooling, work instructions, and production flows for engines, fuel and oil systems, pumps, and thrust systems. Drive DFM/DFA, supplier qualification, process validation, root cause investigations, and corrective actions. Support system integration, testing, failure analysis, and production readiness. Define manufacturing standards and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with design, production, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
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:

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. 

What you'll do:

  • 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 

Tools & skills:

  • MES & QMS systems
  • 3DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter (PLM) systems
  • Supplier manufacturing processes
  • 5S/visual management
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Required qualifications:

  • 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  

Preferred qualifications:

  • 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 

#LI-JM1
#LD

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.
 
###
 
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

  • 7+ years manufacturing engineering experience supporting propulsion or fluid systems
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Manufacturing
  • Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment
  • Experience with engine assembly and integration
  • Experience with fuel and oil systems
  • Experience with precision fluid system manufacturing
  • Experience with aerospace propulsion hardware
  • Knowledge of manufacturing process development and production scaling
  • Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
  • Familiarity with MES & QMS systems
  • Experience with 3DEXPERIENCE or Teamcenter PLM systems
  • Knowledge of 5S/visual management and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

What the Team is Saying

Dylan
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Willy
Michael
Vibhav
Kirby
Ryan
Evan

Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
HQ: Port Melbourne, Victoria
Year Founded: 2015

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
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