Shiva Vallabhaneni

About Shiva Vallabhaneni

I began my career in engine testing—focused on execution and impact, but not always empowered to solve the root engineering problems. After Starship Flight 1, I saw the Engine Systems team take on some of the program’s toughest challenges and transitioned into that role.Since then, I’ve owned flight-critical fluid systems on Raptor through five successful Starship launches, managing everything from design to test to integration. I’ve learned that true ownership means navigating legacy decisions, driving consensus across disciplines, and leading systems forward—even under high pressure and tight timelines.My goal is to work with teams with strong technical leadership, where I can continue growing as a systems owner, tackle hard engineering problems, and do great work with great people.

Experience

1. Senior Propulsion Engineer

   Shield AI

   Sep 2025 — Present · Dallas, TX, US

   Engine RE, Engine Systems, Technical Program Manager

Education

• Purdue University

  Master's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

  2021 — 2022

• Purdue University

  Bachelor's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

  2017 — 2021