Shield AI · 1 day ago
Senior Staff Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)
Wichita Metro Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $230K/yr
8+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a highly experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test planning and execution for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft, ensuring safe and rapid development of next-generation autonomous aircraft.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Support engine, hover, static, and integrated propulsion test campaigns for X-BAT including planning, execution, and post-test analysis
Advise on propulsion system readiness and define test objectives, success criteria, and instrumentation requirements
Develop and review test procedures, hazard analyses, run cards, and safety documentation for high-energy test operations
Provide technical oversight during engine runs, hover tests, transition testing, and propulsion-autonomy integration events
Serve as a propulsion subject-matter expert during Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Test Hazard Analyses (THAs), and Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessments
Support root-cause investigations related to propulsion performance, engine controls, thermal behavior, vibration, and integration issues
Partner with Autonomy and Avionics teams to evaluate propulsion-related interactions such as thrust control logic, response lags, fail-safes, and emergency behaviors
Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering to ensure data quality, timing, and fidelity across propulsion channels
Support field deployments, remote test sites, and intensive test cycles as required to meet program schedules
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines, VTOL systems, unmanned aircraft, or developmental flight test programs
Demonstrated expertise executing and analyzing engine tests, hover/transition events, and integrated propulsion-airframe testing
Strong understanding of engine controls, FADEC systems, thrust measurement, thermal analysis, and vibration/loads behavior
Experience writing and reviewing high-energy test procedures, readiness documentation, and hazard analyses
Proven ability to operate safely and decisively in fast-paced test environments
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated performance in multidisciplinary engineering organizations
Ability to travel and support extended field test deployments
Preferred
Master's degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Experience with tail-sitter, VTOL, or thrust-vectoring propulsion systems
Background in autonomy-powered aircraft, propulsion-system modeling, or propulsion-flight-control integration
Familiarity with IRIG, PCM, instrumentation requirements, and high-rate telemetry data
Experience supporting complex investigations or leading propulsion technical review boards
Prior involvement in developmental or experimental flight test programs
Experience with compressed-air starts, engine-health monitoring systems, or high-temperature structural analysis
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
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
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
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase