Propulsion Test Engineer
US$130,000 – US$200,000 / yr base salary
Posted 16 Mar 2026
Advertised as “Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (R4639)”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Level
- R4639
- Expected experience
- 5+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$130,000 – US$200,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyAerospace Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyAerospace Engineering (or related)
Study levelMaster's
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 Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the planning and execution of propulsion test campaigns for the X-BAT platform. This role is responsible for end-to-end ownership of propulsion test activities—from test architecture and test stand design through execution, data analysis, and iteration - supporting a low-bypass turbofan-powered Group 5 UAV.
You will serve as the focal point for propulsion testing, ensuring test results accurately characterize engine and subsystem performance, de-risk integration, and inform flight readiness decisions. This role is hands-on, data-driven, and highly cross-functional - requiring close collaboration with propulsion engineers, design engineers, technicians, controls, airframe, and flight test teams.
What you will do in this role:
- Own the propulsion test program from requirements through execution, data review, and test-to-flight handoff.
- Architect, design, analyze, and build test stands and fixtures for engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and TVC-related testing.
- Define and implement instrumentation plans, DAQ architecture, calibration methods, and test procedures.
- Lead ground test campaigns, including performance mapping, transient response, and edge-of-envelope testing.
- Analyze test data to validate performance, identify anomalies, and drive design or control updates.
- Partner with propulsion REs and controls engineers to ensure test coverage closes risk against CONOPS and mission profiles.
- Drive root cause investigations for test anomalies and implement corrective actions.
- Author test plans, reports, and readiness reviews; represent propulsion test in design and flight readiness reviews.