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Fuel System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$209.20K - $313.80K/yr

In this role, you'll own the full lifecycle of fuel system design-from concept through flight ... Mentor engineers, establish best practices, and develop processes for system integration and ...

... Engineering departments to maintain accuracy and remain in compliance with the standards. Key Responsibilities * Perform teardown, cleaning, inspection, and repair of fuel system components

... Engineering departments to maintain accuracy and remain in compliance with the standards. Key Responsibilities * Perform teardown, cleaning, inspection, and repair of fuel system components

Generate design documentation, system schematics, and verification plans to support engineering ... Troubleshoot fuel system issues during prototype builds and flight test campaigns. * Contribute to ...

Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$142.32K - $213.48K/yr

Generate design documentation, system schematics, and verification plans to support engineering ... Troubleshoot fuel system issues during prototype builds and flight test campaigns. * Contribute to ...

Generate design documentation, system schematics, and verification plans to support engineering ... Troubleshoot fuel system issues during prototype builds and flight test campaigns. * Contribute to ...

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Fuel System Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do fuel system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fuel System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fuel System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with expertise in fluid dynamics and fuel system design. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and industry standards such as SAE or FAA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex engineering challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of fuel systems in vehicles or aircraft.

What are some typical challenges Fuel System Engineers face when working on new vehicle models?

Fuel System Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating fuel system components with evolving vehicle designs and stringent emissions regulations. Adapting to new materials, ensuring system compatibility with alternative fuels, and meeting safety standards are common hurdles. Additionally, close collaboration with teams such as powertrain engineers, designers, and regulatory compliance experts is essential to address these challenges efficiently and ensure smooth project delivery.

What does a Fuel System Engineer do?

A Fuel System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing the fuel systems used in vehicles, aircraft, or industrial equipment. Their work ensures the safe and efficient delivery, storage, and management of fuel from the tank to the engine. They collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate fuel systems into larger mechanical or aerospace projects, conduct tests, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This role requires strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, materials science, and system integration.

What is a fuel systems engineer?

A fuel systems engineer designs, develops, and tests fuel delivery systems for aircraft, vehicles, or machinery. They ensure the fuel system operates safely and efficiently, often working with CAD tools and adhering to industry standards. This role requires knowledge of fluid dynamics, materials, and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Fuel System Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFuel System EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering; certifications like ASE or OEM-specific trainingBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or industrial settings focusing on fuel systemsVarious industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy
Industry UsageDesign, testing, and optimization of fuel systemsDesign and analysis of mechanical systems, including engines and machinery

Fuel System Engineers focus specifically on designing and testing fuel delivery systems, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope in mechanical design and analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and industry applications differ.

More about Fuel System Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Fuel System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Fuel System Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Fuel System Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fuel System Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fuel System Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

Principal Fuel Systems Engineer (X-BAT)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

$209.20K - $313.80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

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 and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With 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.
$209,197 - $313,795 a year
#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.

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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. 
We 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. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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