Shield AI · 2 days ago
Senior Staff Propulsion Engineer (TVC) (X-BAT) (R4160)
Dallas, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$173K/yr - $260K/yr
7+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a Senior Staff Propulsion Engineer to take ownership of the Thrust Vector Control system on the X-BAT, overseeing everything from concept to flight testing and operational support.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Act as the single-threaded owner for the TVC system, accountable for all technical decisions from concept to flight
Define and manage system requirements, performance goals, and mechanical/electrical interfaces
Design and integrate vectoring mechanisms with the engine and surrounding structure
Lead ground and flight testing of the TVC system, including instrumentation planning, data collection, and performance evaluation
Analyze control authority, vectoring bandwidth, and dynamic response across the flight envelope
Collaborate with the controls team to shape vectoring logic and ensure closed-loop system performance meets CONOPS requirements
Own fault management, failure investigations, and system reliability strategies
Represent the TVC system in design reviews, technical checkpoints, customer briefings, and leadership updates
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
7+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion or flight control systems, with relevant experience owning subsystem development
Deep understanding of nozzle dynamics, actuation systems, mechanical integration, and structural/thermal constraints
Demonstrated experience in hardware development, test planning, and flight test support
Strong proficiency in Python for performance analysis, data processing, and model correlation
Familiarity with tools such as ANSYS, FEA, or thermal/fluid modeling for mechanism and system validation
U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements
Preferred
Experience with TVC or control effector systems on UAVs, tactical aircraft, or rocket platforms
Familiarity with low-bypass turbofan engines and integration constraints near hot-end propulsion hardware
Experience collaborating on control logic development, transient response shaping, and actuator tuning
Proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter for CAD and configuration control
Background in failure modes analysis, margin modeling, and system validation strategies
M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
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