# Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX, Boston, MA, San Diego, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $209k – $314k/yr
**Experience:** 12+ years
**Skills:** Ansys Fluent, Openfoam, MATLAB, Simulink, Nx, CATIA, Solidworks, Cfd, Faa Certification, Mil-Std
**Posted:** 2025-10-14

> Leads architecture, development, and validation of fuel systems for AI-powered autonomous aircraft, owning full lifecycle from concept to flight testing. Requires 12+ years in aircraft fuel systems, expertise in fluid mechanics, CFD, and modeling tools like ANSYS Fluent and MATLAB.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Architect end-to-end fuel systems including storage, transfer, venting, and pressurization for next-gen autonomous aircraft.
- Lead cross-functional integration between propulsion, structures, avionics, and thermal teams to ensure optimal system performance.
- Conduct system-level modeling and analysis to predict flow behavior, vapor suppression, slosh dynamics, and thermal effects.
- Define performance requirements and verification strategies for high-reliability components and assemblies.
- Lead design reviews, technical trade studies, and risk assessments for critical systems.
- Oversee supplier selection, qualification, and acceptance testing for pumps, valves, tanks, and sensors.
- Support and guide ground and flight test campaigns; perform root-cause analysis for system anomalies.
- Mentor engineers, establish best practices, and develop processes for system integration and testing.
- Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps, including hybrid-electric and alternative fuel system architectures.

## Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
- 12–15+ years of experience in aircraft fuel systems, aerospace fluids, or propulsion integration.
- Demonstrated expertise with fuel system design, analysis, and certification for manned or unmanned aircraft.
- Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and **CFD** principles.
- Proficiency with analysis and modeling tools (**ANSYS Fluent**, **OpenFOAM**, **MATLAB/Simulink**) and **CAD** software (**NX**, **CATIA**, or **SolidWorks**).
- Strong technical leadership and mentoring experience within multidisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with **FAA** and **MIL-STD** certification requirements and validation testing.
- U.S. Citizenship required.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with **UAV**, fighter, or **ISR** platform development.
- Proven success leading complex fuel system programs from concept through flight test.
- Knowledge of advanced or low-observable fuel system technologies, vapor suppression, and hybrid-electric integration.
- Active or previous security clearance.

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