Shield AI is building the world’s most advanced AI pilot to enable intelligent aircraft to operate autonomously in denied environments. As the Principal Fuel Systems Engineer on our next-gen program, you’ll be the technical authority responsible for the architecture, integration, and long-term evolution of fuel systems across the platform.
You will lead all aspects of fuel system development—from early R&D and trade studies to full-rate production readiness. This role combines deep technical fluency with system-level thinking and leadership. You'll partner with cross-functional teams to develop reliable, efficient, and lightweight fuel subsystems capable of supporting long-range autonomous missions in contested environments.
We are looking for a hands-on technical leader with a strong record of delivery in complex propulsion systems who can drive the vision for how fuel is stored, moved, and managed across a next-generation jet-powered aircraft.
What you will do in this role:
- Serve as the technical lead for fuel systems across the next-gen platform, from concept through production
- Architect the fuel storage, delivery, pressurization, and regulation systems, with full ownership of requirements and performance metrics
- Lead early-phase trade studies, system architecture evaluations, and supplier assessments for fuel-related components (tanks, pumps, regulators, valves, etc.)
- Develop and validate flow models, transient behavior, and thermal interactions using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, Thermal Desktop, and ANSYS
- Oversee component-level design and packaging decisions in collaboration with mechanical, thermal, and propulsion integration teams
- Ensure system compliance with mission, safety, and redundancy requirements; conduct and review FMEAs, hazard analyses, and fault trees
- Lead and mentor a team of fuel and fluid engineers, providing technical direction and career development support
- Guide the test strategy and validation roadmap, including prototype development, instrumentation planning, and data analysis
- Influence long-term system evolution, including modularity, serviceability, and scaling across vehicle variants
- Represent the fuel system in high-level design reviews, program risk assessments, and cross-discipline working groups
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in fuel systems engineering for aerospace or high-reliability applications
- Demonstrated experience owning the full lifecycle of flight-critical fuel systems—from clean sheet design to test and integration
- Deep knowledge of fuel dynamics, thermal effects, pressurization systems, and component-level performance
- Proficiency in relevant tools including MATLAB/Simulink, Thermal Desktop, and CAD software (e.g. Creo or NX)
- Strong experience with design for safety, regulatory compliance, and aerospace qualification standards
- Experience mentoring engineers and driving technical strategy across departments
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and leadership skills
Preferred qualifications:
- MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience with turbine-powered aircraft, UAVs, or military jet platforms
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or fuel qualification standards for aerospace
- Background in flight test instrumentation, fuel sensors, or system-level telemetry
- Active or prior DoD clearance (not required)
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.