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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit
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Job Description:
We are seeking a Staff Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing engineering activities for advanced propulsion and fluid systems used in aerospace and defense applications. This role supports engine integration, fuel systems, oil systems, pumps, and related propulsion hardware from development through production.
The ideal candidate has deep experience with propulsion-related manufacturing processes, fluid systems integration, and production support for mission-critical hardware.
What you'll do:
Lead manufacturing engineering support for propulsion and fluid system assemblies
Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and production flows for:
Engines and propulsion systems
Fuel systems and fuel tanks
Oil and lubrication systems
Pumps and fluid control hardware
Aerospace vector and thrust systems
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
Tools & skills:
MES & QMS systems
3DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter (PLM) systems
Supplier manufacturing processes
5S/visual management
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Required qualifications:
7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting propulsion or fluid systems
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, 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
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
Preferred qualifications:
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 experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
Proficiency in CAD software
