Shield AI is seeking a highly driven Materials Planning & Logistics Manager to lead supply planning, material readiness, inventory strategy, and execution for next-generation autonomous aircraft development programs and a new greenfield manufacturing facility. This role is critical in establishing the material flow, planning processes, warehouse operations, and logistics infrastructure required to successfully transition advanced products from development into scalable production.
The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership with hands-on execution, thrives in fast-paced environments, and has experience building manufacturing and supply chain capabilities from the ground up. You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure material availability supports aggressive development schedules and facility ramp objectives.
What you'll do:
- Lead material planning activities for development programs.
- Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and Procurement to develop and maintain accurate build plans that are aligned with program milestones.
- Manage the release of work to the production floor and KPIs to monitor performance.
- Identify long-lead material risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect schedule.
- Create and manage recovery schedules.
- Drive engineering change management processes to support rapid development and ECO implementation.
- Develop planning models that support rapid prototyping, design iteration, and low-rate initial production activities.
- Develop and implement scalable processes that support future production growth.
- Lead planning and logistics readiness activities for a new manufacturing facility.
- Design and implement warehouse, stockroom, and material flow processes from receiving through point-of-use consumption.
- Establish inventory control procedures, material storage standards, and transaction discipline.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Facilities teams to optimize material movement and operational efficiency.
- Create a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and mission execution.
- Establish standard work and training programs.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration to solve complex challenges.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in materials planning, production control, logistics, inventory management, or supply chain operations.
- Experience supporting complex hardware development programs in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience implementing or scaling material planning and inventory management processes.
- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain planning methodologies.
- Experience managing material readiness for new product introduction (NPI) and engineering development programs.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing facility launches or major facility expansions.
- Aerospace, defense, unmanned systems, or advanced technology manufacturing experience.
- Experience with Oracle, SAP, Costpoint, or similar ERP platforms.
- APICS/ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
- Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, DFARS, and government contracting requirements.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or operational excellence experience.
- Experience supporting production ramp and transition from development to rate manufacturing.
Why Shield AI:
At Shield AI, you'll help build technology that matters. You'll work alongside world-class engineers, operators, and innovators solving some of the most challenging problems in autonomy and national security. This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundation of a rapidly growing aerospace and defense company while helping bring revolutionary autonomous systems into operational service.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.
- 5+ years experience in materials planning, production control, logistics, inventory management, or supply chain operations.
- Experience supporting complex hardware development programs in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience implementing or scaling material planning and inventory management processes.
- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain planning methodologies.
- Experience managing material readiness for new product introduction (NPI) and engineering development programs.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing facility launches or major facility expansions.
- Experience with Oracle, SAP, Costpoint, or similar ERP platforms.
- APICS/ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
- Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, DFARS, and government contracting requirements.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or operational excellence experience.
- Experience supporting production ramp and transition from development to rate manufacturing.
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
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.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
