# Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Role:** Technical Program Management
**Salary:** $150k – $220k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Jira, Smartsheet, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Propulsion Systems, Fluid Systems, Hardware Testing, System Integration, Uav Development
**Posted:** 2026-03-20

> Coordinates propulsion development for aircraft systems, driving schedules, cross-functional teams, suppliers, and risk mitigation to meet vehicle milestones in aerospace hardware programs. Requires engineering background and 7+ years TPM experience.

## Job Description

## What you'll do
- Partner with propulsion engineers and Responsible Engineers (REs) to plan and execute propulsion development activities across engine hardware, subsystems, and testing.
- Drive propulsion program schedules and ensure alignment with vehicle-level milestones and flight readiness objectives.
- Coordinate work across propulsion, design, fluids, controls, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams.
- Track technical progress, identify risks, and drive mitigation plans to maintain schedule and performance targets.
- Manage propulsion-related suppliers and external partners, including schedule tracking, technical coordination, and delivery performance.
- Translate complex technical work into clear program status, risks, and actions for leadership and stakeholders.
- Facilitate technical reviews, program checkpoints, and cross-team integration discussions.
- Support propulsion test campaigns and development programs by coordinating resources, schedules, and deliverables.
- Drive accountability and measurable outcomes while maintaining strong collaboration with engineering teams.

## Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
- Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
- Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

## Preferred qualifications
- Prior experience working directly with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
- Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
- Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
- Familiarity with program management tools such as **JIRA**, **Smartsheet**, or similar planning tools.
- Demonstrated ability to operate in high-ownership, hardware-centric engineering environments.
- Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.) is a plus.

## Similar roles

- [Staff Technical Program Manager, Queryable Encryption](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/6233def0-d885-4e9c-99ab-c2af0f548158) - MongoDB - Palo Alto, CA - $151k – $297k/yr
- [Global Program Manager](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/5c6a5682-2433-4036-b62d-5747608be712) - Benchling - Boston, MA - $152k – $242k/yr
- [Staff Program Manager Brand Campaigns](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/2103470a-f9c4-42a8-af25-f645f0687298) - Duolingo - New York, NY - $152k – $228k/yr
- [Staff TPM, Security Risk](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/f8e96516-3785-4927-b6d1-7ea3a3ef3c4e) - Grow Therapy - New York, NY - $152k – $190k/yr
- [Staff Technical Program Manager, SOX Compliance](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/2a5ecc62-b299-4456-8ad2-9317f73aa92f) - Pinterest - Remote - $146k – $300k/yr

**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/2855ab0d-117b-4234-963c-fa5cdbb38cd7
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/2855ab0d-117b-4234-963c-fa5cdbb38cd7