Senior Staff Propulsion Test Engineer · Shield AI

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:59:17 GMT
Engineering

Shield AI · Wichita · $150,000 - $230,000 a year · onsite

Shield AI is seeking a highly experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test planning and execution for X-BAT, the world's first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft.

In this role, you will shape the propulsion test strategy, direct complex engine and hover test campaigns, and provide technical leadership across the program to ensure safe and rapid development of a next-generation autonomous aircraft.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in jet propulsion testing, developmental flight test operations, to include mission control room operations, and high-energy ground testing.

You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers, instrumentation specialists, and safety organizations to define test objectives, assess risk, and deliver the data required to advance the aircraft through its test envelope.

This is a high-impact role for a technical leader who thrives in fast-paced, experimental environments and who wants to help define the future of autonomous aviation.

Responsibilities:

Support engine, hover, static, and integrated propulsion test campaigns for X-BAT including planning, execution, and post-test analysis.

Advise on propulsion system readiness and define test objectives, test point development, build up approach, success criteria, and instrumentation requirements.

Develop and review test procedures, hazard analyses, run cards, and safety documentation for high-energy test operations.

Provide technical oversight during engine runs, hover tests, transition testing, and propulsion-autonomy integration events.

Serve as a propulsion subject-matter expert during Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Test Hazard Analyses (THAs), and Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessments

Support root-cause investigations related to propulsion performance, engine controls, thermal behavior, vibration, and integration issues.

Partner with Autonomy and Avionics teams to evaluate propulsion-related interactions such as thrust control logic, response lags, fail-safes, and emergency behaviours.

Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering to ensure data quality, test post process analysis, reporting, timing, and fidelity across propulsion channels.

Support field deployments, remote test sites, and intensive test cycles as required to meet program schedules.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.

8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines, VTOL systems, unmanned aircraft, or developmental flight test programs.

Demonstrated expertise executing and analysing engine tests, hover/transition events, and integrated propulsion-airframe testing.

Strong understanding of engine controls, FADEC systems, thrust measurement, thermal analysis, and vibration/loads behaviour.

Experience writing and reviewing high-energy test procedures, readiness documentation, and hazard analyses.

Proven ability to operate safely and decisively in fast-paced test environments.

Excellent communication skills and demonstrated performance in multidisciplinary engineering organisations.

Ability to travel and support extended field test deployments.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

Experience with tail-sitter, VTOL, or thrust-vectoring propulsion systems.

Background in autonomy-powered aircraft, propulsion-system modelling, or propulsion-flight-control integration.

Familiarity with IRIG, PCM, instrumentation requirements, and high-rate telemetry data.

Experience supporting complex investigations or leading propulsion technical review boards.

Prior involvement in developmental or experimental flight test programmes.

Experience with compressed-air starts, engine-health monitoring systems, or high-temperature structural analysis.