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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead design and scale-up of composite manufacturing processes and production lines, select and integrate capital equipment and software, mentor engineers, engage vendors, and drive cross-functional process improvements to increase throughput and reduce cost.
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 Staff Composites 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:
- Act as a technical leader across programs, owning the design and optimization of high-impact manufacturing processes.
- Drive the scale-up of our flagship product line, balancing throughput, quality, and cost.
- Lead the manufacturing engineering effort for launching a new production line for a larger and more capable jet.
- Develop CPD/Fibersim definitions & producibility assessments for composite parts.
- Scope and deploy critical production infrastructure, including manufacturing equipment, tooling, and hardware/software systems.
- Engage with vendors to source and integrate capital equipment, production tools, and automation systems.
- Mentor engineers and production personnel to build organizational capability and technical depth.
- Champion cross-functional initiatives that standardize and improve manufacturing performance at scale.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience.
- 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus in rapid growth environments.
- Proficiency in CAD software (Solidwork, NX, or CATIA).
- Experience with Composite Part Design (CPD), or Fibersim, and Generative Shape Design (GSD).
- Experience in owning the scale of production processes in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing composites processes, including machining, lamination, and/or assembly.
- Experience with process improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
- 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.
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision-making in a manufacturing context.
- 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
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent experience
- 7+ years manufacturing engineering experience in rapid growth environments
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA)
- Experience with Composite Part Design (CPD), Fibersim, and Generative Shape Design (GSD)
- Experience owning and scaling production processes in a startup or rapid-growth environment
- Strong understanding of composite manufacturing processes (machining, lamination, assembly)
- Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities
- Knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies (additive manufacturing, automation systems)
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision-making in manufacturing
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design
- Strong project management skills 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
