Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Our autonomous systems, including V-BAT and Hivemind Enterprise, operate in the most contested environments in the world. As aircraft production scales to meet growing global demand, operational rigor and production discipline are critical to delivering mission-ready systems to customers on time.
We are seeking a Master Scheduler – Aircraft Production to lead integrated production planning, Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP), forecasting, and capacity planning across our aircraft manufacturing operations.
The Master Scheduler – Aircraft Production is responsible for developing and governing the master production schedule (MPS) for Shield AI aircraft programs. This role ensures alignment between demand forecasts, SIOP decisions, material availability, manufacturing capacity, and delivery commitments.
You will serve as the central integration point between Production, Supply Chain, Finance, Program Management, and Engineering to ensure scalable, predictable aircraft output.
What you'll do:
- Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) for aircraft builds and major subassemblies
- Align build plans with contractual delivery schedules, internal program milestones, and new design cut-ins
- Drive schedule adherence across fabrication, assembly, and test
- Monitor critical path and production constraints to prevent delivery slips
- Co-lead the monthly Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) process
- Reconcile demand forecasts with supply, inventory, and capacity constraints
- Facilitate executive-level SIOP reviews and present scenario analyses
- Drive decision-making around production rate changes, inventory strategies, and resource tradeoffs
- Partner with Business Development, Programs, and Finance to translate bookings and pipeline into rolling demand forecasts
- Maintain 12–24 month production outlooks
- Develop build-rate models to support growth and scaling initiatives
- Conduct what-if analysis based on order timing and customer delivery changes
- Develop and maintain capacity models for manufacturing cells, critical work centers, tooling, and labor
- Identify bottlenecks across production areas
- Support capital planning decisions for facilities, tooling, and automation investments
- Model workforce ramp plans aligned to production rate increases
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft production, or complex hardware environments
- Experience with Master Production Scheduling (MPS)
- Demonstrated ownership of SIOP processes in a manufacturing organization
- Strong background in forecasting and demand planning
- Proven experience in capacity modeling and constraint analysis
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Costpoint, etc.)
- Strong cross-functional leadership and executive communication skills
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in UAV, military aircraft, or aerospace defense production
- Experience scaling production rates in a high-growth environment
- APICS CPIM certification
- Experience with Complex BOMs
- Experience with lean manufacturing and rate-readiness planning
What sets you apart:
- You think in rates, takt time, and throughput — not just schedules
- You can translate demand volatility into executable production plans
- You are comfortable challenging assumptions in executive forums
- You bring structure and discipline to fast-scaling production environments
- You balance analytical rigor with practical shop-floor execution
Why Shield AI?
At Shield AI, production isn’t just manufacturing — it’s mission enablement. Every aircraft delivered increases operational autonomy in the field. This role sits at the center of scaling that impact.
If you are excited about building predictable, scalable aircraft production systems in support of next-generation autonomy, we want to hear from you.
Join us in building the world’s best AI pilot.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft production, or complex hardware environments
- Experience with Master Production Scheduling (MPS)
- Demonstrated ownership of SIOP processes in a manufacturing organization
- Strong background in forecasting and demand planning
- Proven experience in capacity modeling and constraint analysis
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Costpoint)
- Strong cross-functional leadership and executive communication skills
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance
- Experience in UAV, military aircraft, or aerospace defense production
- Experience scaling production rates in a high-growth environment
- APICS CPIM certification
- Experience with Complex BOMs
- Experience with lean manufacturing and rate-readiness planning
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
