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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Propulsion Engineering Technician to join our advanced propulsion engineering team. You will be part of a small, high-performance group responsible for designing, building, and executing propulsion system tests that push the limits of autonomous aircraft capability. This role demands initiative, technical rigor, and the ability to define and execute test procedures for systems that have never been tested before.
You will design, fabricate, and maintain test fixtures and setups, develop and run test plans, and work hands-on with cutting-edge propulsion hardware and avionics. You will be involved in testing and qualifying prototype designs, first-article units, and hot-fire engine testing. Success in this role requires accountability, precision, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
What you'll do:
- Design, fabricate, assemble, and maintain custom test setups, fixtures, and instrumentation for engine and propulsion system validation.
- Develop and execute test plans for experimental propulsion systems and components in collaboration with engineering.
- Define and document test procedures and work instructions for new tests in environments with little or no precedent.
- Fabricate mechanical and electrical test hardware using composites, machined parts, 3D printing, adhesives, and aerospace-grade fasteners.
- Conduct and monitor propulsion system tests, including piston engine/propeller tests.
- Operate and maintain instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and specialized calibration tools.
- Support avionics integration, wire harness fabrication, and system-level electrical testing.
- Analyze test data, document findings, and provide feedback to engineering teams to improve designs and testing methodologies.
- Work closely with propulsion, mechanical, aerospace, structural, manufacturing, software, and electrical engineering teams to support R&D testing.
- Execute cross-functional test campaigns when other teams’ hardware or software integrates with propulsion systems.
- Ensure discipline, accuracy, and repeatability in all test results and reports.
Required qualifications:
- Proven experience designing and/or executing engineering test setups/fixtures, and test campaigns.
- Ability to self-direct test planning and execution with minimal supervision.
- Strong hands-on background in hardware or avionics fabrication, including machining, 3D printing, adhesive bonding, and/or wiring harnesses.
- Proficiency with precision tools, calibrated measurement equipment, power tools, thread specifications, and torque procedures.
- Comfortable working in shop and lab environments with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals.
- Ability to lift and move parts and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and perform physical work for extended periods.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in aerospace propulsion or engine development.
- Working knowledge of piston engines, preferably two-stroke.
- Experience with avionics systems, sensors, harness fabrication, and R&D testing environments.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems, instrumentation calibration, and sensor integration.
- Deep understanding of torque, fastener, and adhesive specifications for aerospace hardware.
- Ability to interpret and analyze test data to inform engineering design decisions.
- Experience with command line syntax or microcontroller programming (Arduino or similar).
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is 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.
