Shield AI
Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (R3300) (Remote)
Shield AI, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (R3300) (Remote)
Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company founded in 2015 with the mission of protecting service members and civilians using intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and Hivemind Vision product lines. Shield AI operates across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific.
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 will 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.
Key challenges:
Enable efficient long‑endurance flight, optimize aircraft center of gravity, and develop robust, certifiable systems that perform flawlessly in extreme conditions.
On‑site or hybrid work is preferred; 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% of the time.
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.
Compensation:
$209,197 – $313,795 per year (salary range)
Benefits:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity (full‑time regular employee). Temporary employees receive pay within range above + temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment. Salary is influenced by skill set, experience, licenses, and location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.
EEO Statement:
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.
AI Hiring Notice:
Shield AI may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. For more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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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 will 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.
Key challenges:
Enable efficient long‑endurance flight, optimize aircraft center of gravity, and develop robust, certifiable systems that perform flawlessly in extreme conditions.
On‑site or hybrid work is preferred; 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% of the time.
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.
Compensation:
$209,197 – $313,795 per year (salary range)
Benefits:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity (full‑time regular employee). Temporary employees receive pay within range above + temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment. Salary is influenced by skill set, experience, licenses, and location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.
EEO Statement:
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.
AI Hiring Notice:
Shield AI may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. For more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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