As the Build Manager, Prototype & New Product Launch at Shield AI, you will lead the execution of prototype and pre-production builds for next-generation autonomous aircraft systems. You will serve as the central coordination point across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management to ensure builds are executed efficiently, issues are rapidly resolved, and critical development milestones are achieved.
In this highly visible role, you will drive daily build operations, facilitate cross-functional communication, and own the tracking and closure of technical, manufacturing, and supply chain issues that arise during development. Working at the intersection of engineering innovation and manufacturing execution, you will help transform first-of-their-kind aerospace systems from concept into reality.
This is a unique opportunity to build products that have never existed before, solve complex challenges in real time, and play a key role in defining how advanced autonomous systems are developed and launched at scale.
What you'll do:
- Lead day-to-day execution of prototype, integration, and pre-production build activities, ensuring schedule, quality, and program objectives are achieved.
- Serve as the primary build coordinator across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management teams.
- Drive issue identification, escalation, and resolution during prototype and NPI builds, ensuring blockers are quickly addressed and closed.
- Facilitate daily build reviews, action item tracking, and cross-functional communication to maintain alignment across stakeholders.
- Monitor build progress, material availability, engineering changes, and production readiness activities to keep development schedules on track.
- Partner with engineering teams to support build-test-learn cycles, providing feedback on manufacturability, assembly challenges, and process improvements.
- Coordinate implementation of engineering changes, non-conformance resolutions, and corrective actions throughout development builds.
- Maintain build status reporting, risk tracking, and executive-level communication regarding schedule impacts, issues, and mitigation plans.
- Continuously improve prototype build processes, issue management systems, and cross-functional execution frameworks.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Experience managing prototype builds, NPI programs, integration activities, or complex hardware development efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional issue resolution in fast-paced development environments.
- Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Experience working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience supporting aerospace, UAV, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing programs.
- Familiarity with product development lifecycles, engineering change management, and manufacturing readiness processes.
- Experience using project management, issue tracking, and production planning tools.
- PMP certification or equivalent program management training.
- Previous experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), prototype development, or production launch activities.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or related technical field
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments
- Experience managing prototype builds, NPI programs, integration activities, or complex hardware development efforts
- Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional issue resolution in fast-paced development environments
- Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Experience supporting aerospace, UAV, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing programs
- Familiarity with product development lifecycles, engineering change management, and manufacturing readiness processes
- Experience using project management, issue tracking, and production planning tools
- PMP certification or equivalent program management training
- Previous experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), prototype development, or production launch activities
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.
