Propulsion Test Engineer
US$150,000 – US$230,000 / yr base salary
Posted 7 Jan 2026
Advertised as “Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 8+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$150,000 – US$230,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyAerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyAerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Study levelMaster's or higher
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: 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.
What you'll do:
- 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.