You will work alongside the propulsion engineering team and applicable suppliers to ensure technical work progresses in alignment with vehicle-level milestones, schedules, and program objectives. This role requires someone who can understand technical challenges, manage cross-functional coordination, and push programs forward with measurable results. The ideal candidate has an engineering background but thrives in bringing teams together, removing obstacles, and staying hands-on when necessary to ensure success.
What you'll do:
- Partner with propulsion engineers and Responsible Engineers (REs) to plan and execute propulsion development activities across engine hardware, subsystems, and testing.
- Drive propulsion program schedules and ensure alignment with vehicle-level milestones and flight readiness objectives.
- Coordinate work across propulsion, design, fluids, controls, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams.
- Track technical progress, identify risks, and drive mitigation plans to maintain schedule and performance targets.
- Manage propulsion-related suppliers and external partners, including schedule tracking, technical coordination, and delivery performance.
- Translate complex technical work into clear program status, risks, and actions for leadership and stakeholders.
- Facilitate technical reviews, program checkpoints, and cross-team integration discussions.
- Support propulsion test campaigns and development programs by coordinating resources, schedules, and deliverables.
- Drive accountability and measurable outcomes while maintaining strong collaboration with engineering teams.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
- Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
- Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior experience working directly with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
- Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
- Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
- Familiarity with program management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, or similar planning tools.
- Demonstrated ability to operate in high-ownership, hardware-centric engineering environments.
- Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.) is a plus.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
- Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
- Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
- Ability to obtain S//SAR level security clearance.
- Prior experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
- Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
- Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
- Familiarity with program management tools such as JIRA or Smartsheet.
- Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.).
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.