Lead the design and validation of fuel systems for AI-powered aircraft, overseeing the full lifecycle from concept to flight testing while mentoring engineers and ensuring technical excellence in cross-functional integration.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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 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%.
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.
Top Skills
Ansys Fluent
Catia
Matlab/Simulink
Nx
Openfoam
Solidworks
Similar Jobs
Insurance
The Senior Talent Acquisition Partner will manage full-cycle recruiting, partner with hiring managers, and enhance the candidate experience while promoting Openly's values and diversity initiatives.
Healthtech • Software
Lead the architectural design for healthcare technology platforms, ensuring scalability, performance, compliance, and security while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Top Skills:
AWSFhirHipaaHl7Java SpringKafka
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Big Data Analytics
Manage customer installation activities, verify system functionality, conduct routine tasks, and troubleshoot issues while ensuring optimal security and reliability.
Top Skills:
Active DirectoryFortinet FortigateHp AristaHpe AlletraHpe Compute HardwareLinuxMicrosoft Sql ServerNimbleRed Hat OpenshiftTeamcityVmware EsxiWindows 10Windows 11Windows Server
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
