Founded in 2015, Shield AI is building intelligent, autonomous aircraft that protect service members and civilians around the world. As we scale production, we're building more than a factory—we're building an AI-native manufacturing ecosystem that will define the future of aerospace production.
Build the AI Factory of the Future
We're looking for a Digital Factory Lead to help create one of the world's most advanced manufacturing environments.
This role sits at the intersection of manufacturing, software, data, automation, and artificial intelligence. You will define and deploy the digital systems, connected infrastructure, and AI-enabled tools that power aircraft production—transforming factory operations through technology.
From implementing our Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to deploying AI-powered manufacturing solutions, you'll help define how autonomous aircraft are built for years to come.
What you'll do:
- Develop and execute Shield AI's AI Manufacturing roadmap.
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI across production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, training, and operational decision-making.
- Deploy AI-powered solutions including intelligent work instructions, manufacturing copilots, predictive maintenance, automated root-cause analysis, and advanced analytics.
- Partner with software and data teams to turn operational challenges into scalable technical solutions.
- Capture and digitize manufacturing knowledge to improve workforce productivity, training, and consistency.
- Lead the deployment, configuration, and continuous improvement of Shield AI's Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
- Establish the digital thread connecting engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain operations.
- Drive integration between MES, ERP, PLM, QMS, factory automation systems, and manufacturing equipment.
- Define and deploy the digital architecture supporting production equipment, tooling, test systems, PLCs, sensors, and industrial controls.
- Establish factory-wide connectivity and real-time operational visibility.
- Develop the data ecosystem required to support AI, automation, analytics, and future autonomous manufacturing capabilities.
- Develop and execute Shield AI's Digital Factory roadmap.
- Lead automation initiatives across manufacturing, inspection, testing, and material flow.
- Evaluate emerging technologies including machine vision, digital twins, autonomous inspection, and next-generation manufacturing systems.
- Help define what aircraft manufacturing should look like over the next decade.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of experience in digital manufacturing, manufacturing systems, industrial automation, software-enabled operations, or Industry 4.0 environments.
- Experience implementing manufacturing software systems such as MES, QMS, maintenance, analytics, or automation platforms.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial controls, factory automation, and manufacturing data systems.
- Experience working directly with software developers, system integrators, automation engineers, or data teams to deliver production-ready solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through deployment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, electronics, or other high-complexity manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting greenfield factory launches or large-scale factory transformations.
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or digital twin technologies in an operational environment.
- Knowledge of AS9100, or other highly controlled manufacturing systems.
Why Shield AI?
Most companies are still trying to digitize their factories.
At Shield AI, we're building an AI-native manufacturing environment from the ground up.
The systems, technologies, and AI-enabled capabilities you deploy will directly influence how autonomous aircraft are manufactured for years to come, enabling Shield AI to scale production while maintaining the quality, speed, and operational excellence required for mission-critical aerospace systems.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or related technical discipline
- 8+ years experience in digital manufacturing, manufacturing systems, industrial automation, software-enabled operations, or Industry 4.0 environments
- Experience implementing manufacturing software systems (MES, QMS, maintenance, analytics, or automation platforms)
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial controls, factory automation, and manufacturing data systems
- Experience working directly with software developers, system integrators, automation engineers, or data teams to deliver production-ready solutions
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through deployment
- Aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, electronics, or other high-complexity manufacturing experience
- Experience supporting greenfield factory launches or large-scale factory transformations
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or digital twin technologies in an operational environment
- Knowledge of AS9100 or other highly controlled manufacturing systems
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 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.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
