A fuel injector includes a mount, a stem, a nozzle, and a heat shield. The stem extends from the mount. The nozzle is at a distal end of the stem opposite the mount and configured to discharge an oxidant-fuel mixture along a nozzle axis. The heat shield extends from the mount towards the nozzle. The heat shield includes a stem segment surrounding the stem and at least a portion of the nozzle and a compliant segment extending from the stem segment to the nozzle, a lip extending from the nozzle, or a cap surrounding the nozzle.