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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead development and scale-up of production processes and equipment for a next-generation aircraft line. Define BOM/process flows, create operator-ready work instructions, implement MES/QMS controls, run time studies and kaizen, establish standardized work and audits, partner with Quality on in-process checks and FAI, drive root-cause corrective actions, and mentor other engineers to increase throughput and reduce costs.
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:
As a Senior Staff Advance Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll take ownership of critical manufacturing processes across multiple programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs, and scale our operations. You’ll be instrumental in building out the infrastructure for a new production line supporting a next-generation jet, including selecting and deploying capital equipment, implementing hardware and software tools, and establishing robust production systems. Working across engineering, supply chain, and production, you’ll ensure smooth integration of new technologies and provide mentorship to other engineers. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on cross-functional impact, technical leadership, and factory-scale execution.
What you'll do:
- Define the Bill of Process and manufacturing sequence for assigned subassemblies or cells.
- Map MBOM to operations, tooling needs, and process controls.
- Build ergonomic workstations (height/reach zones, shadow boards, calibrated torque tools, ESD controls, POU materials).
- Create visual, operator-ready Work Instructions with torque specs, PPE, inspection points, and MES revision control.
- Conduct time studies, compute takt/CT, identify bottlenecks, and lead kaizen improvements.
- Establish standardized work, visual controls, job aids, and layered audit systems; iterate with operators.
- Capture shop-floor lessons learned defects, build issues, tooling feedback and drive root cause and corrective action.
- Partner with Quality on in-process checks, error-proofing, and FAI readiness.
- Implement ECOs, validate process updates, and maintain work instructions accordingly.
- Tools & Skills: MES/QMS systems, torque analyzers, Minitab/Excel (SPC, capability, DOE), lean/5S, PFMEA, ergonomic assessment tools, Control Plans, Standard Operating Procedures.
Required qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production systems, process development, or assembly engineering.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related STEM field.
- Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
- Proficiency in CAD software
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines
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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
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production systems, process development, or assembly engineering
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related STEM field
- Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, composites, avionics, and/or assembly
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities
- Experience with MES and QMS systems
- Hands-on use of torque analyzers and calibrated torque tools; ESD controls
- Statistical and process tools: Minitab/Excel for SPC, capability studies, DOE
- Lean manufacturing methods including 5S, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures
- Ability to create operator-ready work instructions, time studies (takt/CT), and lead kaizen improvements
- Partnering with Quality on in-process checks, error-proofing, and FAI readiness
- Implement ECOs and validate process updates while maintaining work instructions
- Knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
- Proficiency in CAD software
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing or automation systems
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design
- Strong project management skills, including managing multiple priorities and deadlines
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 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.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
