Senior Engineer Propulsion - Engine Performance (R5907)

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 [](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI). ## Job Description: We are seeking a Propulsion Performance Engineer to own engine calibration and performance for the reciprocating engines that power the V-BAT platform. This role serves as the technical owner for engine calibration strategy — driving test plans, ECU tuning, and performance analysis from bench through flight test — and is accountable for the torque, power, speed, and fuel efficiency characteristics the engine delivers across its full operating envelope. You'll work hands-on with engine hardware, electronic fuel injection and engine control systems, and engine test stands, creating and executing engine testing strategies under the direction of senior staff propulsion engineers. Candidates with a background in air-cooled or aviation two-stroke engines are especially encouraged to apply; at minimum, we're looking for someone with deep hands-on experience on reciprocating engines (four-stroke or two-stroke) who can own calibration decisions with minimal oversight. ### What You'll Do In This Role - Support the engine calibration strategy by defining test plans, calibration methodology, and acceptance criteria across dynamometer, bench, and flight test campaigns. - Perform ECU configuration and tuning (including fuel mapping, ignition timing, and injector phasing) to optimize engine performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability across the operating envelope. - Analyze and deliver torque, power, and fuel consumption results, identifying calibration or hardware improvement opportunities and driving corrective action. - Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations for engine testing for the development team and production teams. - Reduce and interpret test and flight data to validate performance against requirements, closing gaps between design intent and measured behavior. - Represent engine calibration and performance in design reviews, technical readiness checkpoints, and cross-functional discussions with design, controls, and flight test teams. - Develop and maintain calibration documentation, procedures, and performance reporting to support program milestones. - Support refinement of performance models for the propulsion system and the vehicle through targeted test campaigns and data review. ### Required qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. - 5+ years of experience in a mechanical or aerospace engineering role, with a focus on engine performance or calibration. - Deep hands-on experience with reciprocating (piston) engines. - Demonstrated experience with electronically controlled fuel injectors and fuel injection systems. - Proven experience with ECU configuration and engine calibration, including ownership of calibration decisions. - Strong ability to analyze and interpret engine torque, power, and fuel consumption data to drive engine design, ECU calibration, and vehicle performance decisions. - U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements. ### Preferred qualifications: - Podium finish in FSAE competition, with at least one first place trophy in any dynamic event. - Background in air-cooled engines, particularly aviation two-stroke platforms. - Experience with dynamometer test cells and associated data acquisition systems. - Deep familiarity with fuel maps, ignition timing strategies, and closed-loop engine control logic. - Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data reduction and calibration tooling. - Experience writing custom data analysis tools to automate engine performance analysis and calibration workflows. - Experience supporting military propulsion systems, tactical aircraft, or high-performance aerospace platforms. - M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.