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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
The Production Supervisor oversees V-BAT manufacturing, ensuring efficient workflows, quality standards, and process improvements while leading a team and complying with aerospace regulations.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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:
We are seeking a highly motivated Production Supervisor to oversee V-BAT manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient production workflows, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous process improvement in a fast-paced, high-tech environment. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing and defense industry requirements.
What you'll do:
- Supervise daily production operations, ensuring adherence to schedules, safety regulations, and quality standards.
- Lead and develop a team of technicians and assembly personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
- Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to resolve production challenges and ensure seamless execution of manufacturing plans.
- Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry standards, including AS9100, ITAR, and other regulatory requirements.
- Maintain and enforce safety protocols to create a secure and compliant work environment.
- Train and mentor production staff, promoting best practices and technical skill development.
- Troubleshoot production issues, implement corrective actions, and provide technical support as needed.
- Participate in new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring manufacturability and scalability of designs.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
- 5+ years of experience in a production supervisory role in a medium to high rate production environment for complex assemblies/products.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Strong communication and leadership abilities to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment while maintaining a focus on operational excellence.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience working with aerospace composites, avionics, propulsion systems, or final aircraft integration.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, assembly, and testing.
- Familiarity with defense-related compliance requirements (e.g., ITAR, DFARS).
- Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or equivalent.
- Experience in a rapidly scaling production environment.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in a production supervisory role.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
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.
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-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.
Typical time on-site:
Flexible
