# Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Salary:** $150K-$220K
**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.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/staff-technical-program-manager-propulsion-r4727-at-shield-ai-2855ab0d-117b-4234-963c-fa5cdbb38cd7
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/staff-technical-program-manager-propulsion-r4727-at-shield-ai-2855ab0d-117b-4234-963c-fa5cdbb38cd7