# Manager, Propulsion

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $150k – $230k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Aerospace Propulsion, Fluid Systems, Hardware Development, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Aerospace Component Design, Structural Integration, Thermal/Mechanical Design, Siemens Nx, Teamcenter, Ansys, FEA, Gfssp, Refprop
**Posted:** 2026-05-29

> The Manager of Propulsion will lead the development of propulsion subsystems and components for the X-BAT vehicle, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians. This role involves technical leadership, execution ownership, and cross-functional coordination for flight-critical hardware.

## Job Description

## Job Description:
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.

## What you'll do:

*   Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations.
*   Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support.
*   Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
*   Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation.
*   Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware.
*   Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams.
*   Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations.
*   Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results.
*   Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware.

## Required qualifications:

*   Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
*   7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments.
*   Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
*   Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
*   Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints.
*   Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
*   U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

## Preferred qualifications:

*   Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware.
*   Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP.
*   Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
*   Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization.
*   Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
*   Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
*   M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.

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