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
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)
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.
Shield AI Insights
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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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.