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Lead Fuel System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helion Energy

Process Design Lead, Fuel Cycle

Everett, WA · On-site

$147K - $182K/yr

As Helion's Process Design Lead, you will guide a multidisciplinary team of engineers responsible for architecting, designing, and delivering the fuel cycle systems that will enable Orion, Helion ...

Metrea

Aviation Fuel Systems Manager

Menifee, CA · On-site

Lead all fuel system maintenance across the fleet, including fuel cell entry, inspection, leak evaluation, and repair * Own the confined space entry program for fuel cell maintenance, ensuring full ...

Socket.dev

Aviation Fuel Systems Manager

Menifee, CA · On-site

Lead all fuel system maintenance across the fleet, including fuel cell entry, inspection, leak evaluation, and repair * Own the confined space entry program for fuel cell maintenance, ensuring full ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEnergy And Environment JobsFuel JobsGas Station Manager JobsLead Fuel System Engineer Jobs

Lead Fuel System Engineer information

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$91K

$199.3K

$253K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead fuel system engineer in the United States is $199,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectLead Fuel System EngineerFuel System Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Automotive Engineering; certifications like PE or PMP are commonBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Automotive Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeading design teams, coordinating project phases, overseeing testingDesign, analyze, and develop fuel systems under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, automotive, and defense industries for senior rolesCommon in similar industries for technical roles

The Lead Fuel System Engineer typically holds a senior position, overseeing projects and teams, while the Fuel System Engineer focuses on technical design and development. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the lead role involves more leadership and project management responsibilities.

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

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

Infographic showing various Lead Fuel System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,327 per year, or $95.8 per hour.

Principal Fuel Systems Engineer - X-BAT (R4640)

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Shield AIexternal

$209K - $313K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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:
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%.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
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 and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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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