Manager, Propulsion (Fuel System)

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead fuel system development and integration for the X-BAT vehicle, which uses a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. The role covers the architecture, integration, testing and operational support of flight-critical fuel systems operating in demanding thermal environments and aggressive maneuvering conditions. You will lead engineers and technicians responsible for fuel tanks, fuel delivery systems, venting, pressurization, level sensing and associated propulsion fluid systems.

Key responsibilities

• Lead fuel system development from architecture through testing and flight operations.
• Support and mentor fuel system REs for fuel tanks, pumps, valves, vent systems and associated propulsion hardware.
• Drive system integration covering elevated-G maneuvers, transient operation, vapor ingestion, cavitation, thermal effects and fault tolerance.
• Guide teams through thermodynamic and fluid dynamic trade studies such as heat soak, vapor pressure behavior, venting and transient flow response.
• Coordinate testing, instrumentation planning and performance validation.
• Support failure investigations, root cause analysis and design iteration.
• Keep schedules, technical execution and supplier activities aligned with program goals.
• Work closely with propulsion, airframe, mission systems and manufacturing teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 7-10+ years of experience developing aerospace fuel or fluid systems.
• Experience leading engineering teams or major subsystem development activities.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Required skills

• Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
• Compressible and incompressible flow systems and aerospace fluid dynamics.
• Fuel system integration, testing and operational support.
• Preferred: experience with jet-powered UAVs, tactical aircraft or rocket propulsion fluid systems; familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS or fluid system modeling tools; slosh dynamics, cavitation, vapor ingestion, venting, thermal management and pressurization; test-driven aerospace development environment; M.S. or Ph.D.; S//SAR security clearance.