Propulsion Engineering Technician (R6045)

Shield AI is seeking a Propulsion Engineering Technician to join its advanced propulsion engineering team.

You will be part of a small, high-performance group responsible for designing, building, and executing propulsion system tests that push the limits of autonomous aircraft capability.

Responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, assemble, and maintain custom test setups, fixtures, and instrumentation for engine and propulsion system validation.
• Develop and execute test plans for experimental propulsion systems and components in collaboration with engineering.
• Define and document test procedures and work instructions for new tests in environments with little or no precedent.
• Fabricate mechanical and electrical test hardware using composites, machined parts, 3D printing, adhesives, and aerospace-grade fasteners.
• Conduct and monitor propulsion system tests, including piston engine/propeller tests.
• Operate and maintain instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and specialized calibration tools.
• Support avionics integration, wire harness fabrication, and system-level electrical testing.
• Analyze test data, document findings, and provide feedback to engineering teams to improve designs and testing methodologies.
• Work closely with propulsion, mechanical, aerospace, structural, manufacturing, software, and electrical engineering teams to support R&D testing.
• Execute cross-functional test campaigns when other teams’ hardware or software integrates with propulsion systems.
• Ensure discipline, accuracy, and repeatability in all test results and reports.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience designing and/or executing engineering test setups/fixtures, and test campaigns.
• Ability to self-direct test planning and execution with minimal supervision.
• Strong hands-on background in hardware or avionics fabrication, including machining, 3D printing, adhesive bonding, and/or wiring harnesses.
• Proficiency with precision tools, calibrated measurement equipment, power tools, thread specifications, and torque procedures.
• Comfortable working in shop and lab environments with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals.
• Ability to lift and move parts and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and perform physical work for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace propulsion or engine development.
• Working knowledge of piston engines, preferably two-stroke.
• Experience with avionics systems, sensors, harness fabrication, and R&D testing environments.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, instrumentation calibration, and sensor integration.
• Deep understanding of torque, fastener, and adhesive specifications for aerospace hardware.
• Ability to interpret and analyze test data to inform engineering design decisions.
• Experience with command line syntax or microcontroller programming (Arduino or similar).

Additional Information:

• Salary: USD 29-44 per-hour-wage
• Benefits: 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)