Principal Jet Propulsion Engineer
| Company | Shield AI |
|---|---|
| Location | Dallas, TX, USA |
| Salary | $198046 – $297068 |
| Type | Full-Time |
| Degrees | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Experience Level | Expert or higher |
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
- 15+ years of experience in jet propulsion, gas turbines, or similar aircraft propulsion domains
- Deep knowledge of thermodynamic cycle analysis, thrust modeling, fuel consumption, and engine performance under various flight regimes
- Proficiency with simulation tools such as NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Thermal Desktop
- Demonstrated experience integrating jet propulsion systems into aircraft (manned or unmanned)
- Strong familiarity with combustion dynamics, turbine hardware, engine controls, and system-level packaging constraints
- Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills and ability to influence engineering strategy at the platform level
Responsibilities
- Own the technical strategy for jet propulsion system architecture, including engine selection, mounting, thrust requirements, and endurance modeling
- Perform detailed cycle analysis, performance trade studies, and thermal evaluations using tools such as NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and Thermal Desktop
- Lead integration of jet propulsion systems with fuel, thermal, mechanical, and avionics teams, ensuring coherent system-level performance
- Guide all phases of propulsion development: requirements definition, supplier evaluation, integration strategy, and test/validation planning
- Author propulsion-related documentation including FMEAs, hazard analyses, and interface control documents
- Serve as the subject matter expert for jet propulsion across vehicle programs, providing insight on both short-term configuration and long-term propulsion scalability
- Engage with engine manufacturers and external vendors to evaluate system capabilities and manage technical risk
- Collaborate with flight test and data teams to correlate modeling assumptions with real-world performance
- Represent the propulsion system in high-level design reviews and program-level decision-making
- Mentor a cross-functional team of propulsion, fuel, and fluids engineers across platform workstreams
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD or MS in Aerospace Propulsion or Turbomachinery
- Prior experience on UAVs, military aircraft, or advanced R&D propulsion programs
- Familiarity with DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or other aerospace propulsion standards
- Hands-on experience with engine ground/flight test campaigns
- Prior engagement with FADEC systems, embedded control loops, or hybrid propulsion architectures
- Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)