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Aerospace Fuel System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VT ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... fuel system components for some of the world's leading aerospace programs. We're looking for an ... The Systems Engineer facilitates all technical aspects of a project and coordinates technical tasks ...

... fuel system components for some of the world's leading aerospace programs. We're looking for an ... The Systems Engineer facilitates all technical aspects of a project and coordinates technical tasks ...

Fuel System Manager

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$200 - $250/hr

As the Manager for Fuel Systems, you will lead a world-class team of approximately 65 engineering professionals within the Vehicle Hardware Engineering group. You aren't just managing a department ...

As the Manager for Fuel Systems, you will lead a world-class team of approximately 65 engineering professionals within the Vehicle Hardware Engineering group. You aren't just managing a department ...

$200 - $250/hr

As the Manager for Fuel Systems, you will lead a world-class team of approximately 65 engineering professionals within the Vehicle Hardware Engineering group. You aren't just managing a department ...

As the Manager for Fuel Systems, you will lead a world-class team of approximately 65 engineering professionals within the Vehicle Hardware Engineering group. You aren't just managing a department ...

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Aerospace Fuel System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do aerospace fuel system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace fuel system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace fuel system engineer do?

An Aerospace Fuel System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the fuel systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. This includes ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of fuel from storage tanks to engines, managing fuel flow and pressure, and integrating fuel systems with other aircraft systems. They also troubleshoot fuel system issues, work to meet safety and regulatory standards, and collaborate with other engineering teams throughout the design and testing process.

What are some common challenges aerospace fuel system engineers face during the design and testing phases?

Aerospace Fuel System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring fuel delivery reliability across a wide range of flight conditions and integrating fuel systems with complex aircraft architectures. They must also address strict safety and regulatory requirements, manage weight constraints, and mitigate risks like fuel leaks or system failures. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems engineering, is vital to resolve integration issues and achieve optimal performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace fuel system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Fuel System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, fluid dynamics, and fuel system design, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, fuel system modeling tools, and industry standards such as FAA or EASA regulations is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant design and operation of complex aerospace fuel systems.

What is the difference between Aerospace Fuel System Engineer vs Aerospace Propulsion Engineer?

AspectAerospace Fuel System EngineerAerospace Propulsion Engineer
Primary FocusDesign, develop, and maintain aircraft fuel systemsDesign and optimize propulsion systems like engines and thrusters
Required CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering, certifications in fluid dynamicsBachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering, certifications in thermodynamics
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing, aerospace R&D, maintenance facilitiesEngine testing labs, aircraft engine manufacturing, aerospace R&D
Industry UsageCommercial, military, and private aircraft sectorsAircraft engines, spacecraft propulsion, missile systems

While both roles involve aerospace engineering, the Aerospace Fuel System Engineer specializes in aircraft fuel systems, whereas the Aerospace Propulsion Engineer focuses on propulsion systems like engines. Both require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their specific technical focus and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Fuel System Engineer jobs?

For Aerospace Fuel System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Fuel System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Manager, Propulsion (Fuel System) (R5088)

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Shield AI
Software Developmentย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead fuel system development and integration for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the architecture, integration, testing, and operational support of flight-critical fuel systems operating across demanding thermal environments, aggressive maneuvering conditions, and mission-critical operating profiles.
You will lead engineers and technicians responsible for fuel tanks, fuel delivery systems, venting, pressurization, level sensing, and associated propulsion fluid systems. This role requires deep technical understanding, strong execution leadership, and close coordination across propulsion, flight test, manufacturing, and vehicle integration teams.
What you'll do:
  • Lead fuel system development activities from architecture through testing and flight operations.
  • Support and mentor fuel system REs responsible for fuel tanks, pumps, valves, vent systems, and associated propulsion hardware.
  • Drive system integration efforts considering elevated-G maneuvers, transient operation, vapor ingestion, cavitation, thermal effects, and fault tolerance.
  • Guide teams through fuel system thermodynamic and fluid dynamic trade studies involving heat soak, vapor pressure behavior, venting, and transient flow response.
  • Coordinate testing activities, instrumentation planning, and performance validation efforts.
  • Support failure investigations, root cause analysis, and design iteration activities.
  • Ensure schedules, technical execution, and supplier activities remain aligned with program goals.
  • Collaborate closely with propulsion, airframe, mission systems, and manufacturing teams.

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • 7-10+ years of experience developing aerospace fuel or fluid systems.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
  • Deep understanding of compressible and incompressible flow systems and aerospace fluid dynamics.
  • Experience with fuel system integration, testing, and operational support.
  • Experience leading engineering teams or major subsystem development activities.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with jet-powered UAVs, tactical aircraft, or aerospace fuel systems.
  • Familiarity with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, or fluid system modeling tools.
  • Experience with slosh dynamics, cavitation, vapor ingestion, venting, thermal management, and pressurization systems.
  • Background in rocket propulsion fluid systems.
  • Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

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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.