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Shield AI

a16z — Backed by a16z
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Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

Open 67d
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:
Shield AI is seeking a Principal Fuel Systems Engineer to lead architecture, development, and validation of fuel systems for advanced AI-powered aircraft. In this role, you’ll own the full lifecycle of fuel system design—from concept through flight testing—while mentoring others and driving technical excellence across our growing air vehicle portfolio.
You’ll tackle high-impact challenges: enabling efficient long-endurance flight, optimizing aircraft center of gravity, and developing robust, certifiable systems that perform flawlessly in extreme conditions.
On-site or hybrid work is preferred; however, for highly qualified candidates, a remote arrangement may be considered with up to 25% travel.

What you will do in this role:

  • Architect end-to-end fuel systems including storage, transfer, venting, and pressurization for next-gen autonomous aircraft.
  • Lead cross-functional integration between propulsion, structures, avionics, and thermal teams to ensure optimal system performance.
  • Conduct system-level modeling and analysis to predict flow behavior, vapor suppression, slosh dynamics, and thermal effects.
  • Define performance requirements and verification strategies for high-reliability components and assemblies.
  • Lead design reviews, technical trade studies, and risk assessments for critical systems.
  • Oversee supplier selection, qualification, and acceptance testing for pumps, valves, tanks, and sensors.
  • Support and guide ground and flight test campaigns; perform root-cause analysis for system anomalies.
  • Mentor engineers, establish best practices, and develop processes for system integration and testing.
  • Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps, including hybrid-electric and alternative fuel system architectures.

Required qualifications:

  • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
  • 12–15+ years of experience in aircraft fuel systems, aerospace fluids, or propulsion integration.
  • Demonstrated expertise with fuel system design, analysis, and certification for manned or unmanned aircraft.
  • Deep understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and CFD principles.
  • Proficiency with analysis and modeling tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Simulink) and CAD software (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks).
  • Strong technical leadership and mentoring experience within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Familiarity with FAA and MIL-STD certification requirements and validation testing.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • For remote candidates - ability to travel up to 25%.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with UAV, fighter, or ISR platform development.
  • Proven success leading complex fuel system programs from concept through flight test.
  • Knowledge of advanced or low-observable fuel system technologies, vapor suppression, and hybrid-electric integration.
  • Active or previous security clearance.
#LI-JM2
#LD

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.
###
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.
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What this application asks

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Which location are you applying for?, Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website

  • Are you authorized to work in the United States? choose one
  • Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future? choose one
  • If yes, what type of sponsorship? written answer · optional
  • This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following? choose one
  • If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. written answer · optional
  • 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? choose one
  • (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: written answer · optional
  • How did you hear about us? choose one
  • If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details: written answer · optional
  • Please state your full legal name:
  • Are you a transitioning service member? choose one
  • If yes, what partnership program are you working with? choose one · optional
  • If other, please provide further details written answer · optional
  • When are you available to start your fellowship? written answer · optional
  • When are you available for full time work? written answer · optional
  • What full time job(s) are you applying for? written answer
  • Are you local to or willing to relocate? choose one · optional
  • What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) yes / no · optional
  • If you selected international, what location(s)? written answer · optional
  • Do you have, or are you able to obtain, a S/SAR clearance? choose one · optional
  • Did you see a LinkedIn post that encouraged or inspired you to apply for this role? yes / no · optional

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