a16z Manager, Propulsion (Engine) (R5086)
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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 . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead the development and execution of engine and thrust vector control (TVC) systems for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role leads a team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and operating flight-critical propulsion hardware from concept through flight and operational deployment.
You will work closely with propulsion Responsible Engineers (REs), controls, airframe, flight test, manufacturing, and leadership teams to ensure engine and TVC development aligns with vehicle-level objectives, mission requirements, and program milestones. This role requires strong technical leadership, hands-on engagement, and the ability to drive execution in a fast-paced aerospace development environment.
What you'll do:
- Lead propulsion engineering efforts related to engine and TVC development, integration, testing, and flight operations.
- Support and mentor propulsion REs responsible for engine modules, nozzles, actuators, vectoring hardware, and associated propulsion systems.
- Drive technical execution, staffing, prioritization, and schedule alignment across propulsion activities.
- Guide teams through propulsion trade studies involving thermodynamics, transient behavior, thermal management, structural integration, and operability limits.
- Coordinate closely with controls, airframe, and mission teams to ensure propulsion integration supports aircraft maneuverability, survivability, and CONOPS requirements.
- Support root cause investigations, performance anomalies, design reviews, and flight readiness activities.
- Drive technical rigor, accountability, and measurable execution across the propulsion organization.
- Collaborate with suppliers and external partners supporting propulsion hardware and testing.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
- 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion system development, integration, test, or flight operations.
- Experience leading engineering teams or large cross-functional technical efforts.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
- Deep understanding of gas turbine engine operation, transient response, thrust production, operability limits, and thermal constraints.
- Hands-on experience supporting propulsion hardware development and test programs.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with fighter-class or low-bypass turbofan propulsion systems.
- Familiarity with engine controls, TVC systems, transient response, and actuator integration.
- Experience with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, or propulsion performance analysis tools.
- Background in rocket propulsion or thrust vector control systems.
- Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace environments.
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
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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.
Skills
As published by lever · 20 questions · 9 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website
Short answers (1)
- Please state your full legal name:
Pick from a list (10)
- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?
- This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?
- Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces?
- How did you hear about us?
- Are you a transitioning service member?
- If yes, what partnership program are you working with? optional
- Are you local to or willing to relocate? optional
- What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) optional
- Do you have, or are you able to obtain, a S/SAR clearance? optional
Written answers (9)
- If yes, what type of sponsorship? optional
- If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. optional
- (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: optional
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- When are you available for full time work? optional
- What full time job(s) are you applying for?
- If you selected international, what location(s)? optional