Staff Engineer, Propulsion Systems Advance Manufacturing; R5185

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

Staff Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer

This role leads manufacturing engineering activities for advanced propulsion and fluid systems used in aerospace and defense applications. It supports engine integration, fuel systems, oil systems, pumps, and related propulsion hardware from development through production.

• Lead manufacturing engineering support for propulsion and fluid system assemblies
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and production flows for engines, fuel systems, oil systems, pumps, and fluid control hardware
• Partner with design engineering to improve manufacturability, reliability, testability, and producibility
• Drive root‑cause investigations and corrective actions for propulsion manufacturing issues
• Develop work instructions, quality standards, and inspection methods
• Support supplier qualification, process validation, and production readiness reviews
• Lead DFM/DFA reviews and transition new products into manufacturing
• Support system integration, validation, and troubleshooting activities
• Define manufacturing standards, process controls, and acceptance criteria
• Support failure analysis and reliability improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and test engineering teams
• Mentor junior manufacturing engineers

• MES & QMS systems
• 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter (PLM) systems
• Supplier manufacturing processes
• 5S/visual management
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting propulsion or fluid systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Manufacturing
• Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid‑growth environment
• Experience with engine assembly and integration, fuel and oil systems, precision fluid system manufacturing, and aerospace propulsion hardware
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Knowledge of manufacturing process development and production scaling
• Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles
• Experience with root‑cause analysis and corrective action methodologies

• Aerospace or defense industry experience
• Experience supporting turbine, piston, hybrid‑electric, or UAV propulsion systems
• Knowledge of pressure systems, leak testing, and fluid handling
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and production optimization
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis
• Strong project management skills, including managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Proficiency in CAD software

Salary: $120,000 – $190,000 per year.

Shield AI is a proud equal‑opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.