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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design and optimize factory layouts, material flow, and pilot cells for aerospace hardware. Create 2D/3D models, run discrete-event simulations, balance lines, define kitting/packaging standards, lead cross-functional reviews, and validate installation through time studies and performance analysis.
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:
The Senior Production Engineer applies 7+ years of experience designing high-efficiency manufacturing systems, material flow loops, and pilot cell layouts for aerospace or advanced hardware production. You will architect end to end workflows from point-of-use material presentation to full-factory flow modeling ensuring takt compliance, ergonomic operations, and scalable production readiness.
What you'll do:
- Map current-state flow: cycle/takt times, operator walk paths, WIP, supermarkets/kitting strategies, replenishment loops.
- Produce detailed 2D layouts and 3D/VR models with utilities, rack placement, POUs, FIFO lanes, safety zones, and equipment footprints.
- Run capacity analysis, line balancing, buffer sizing, and kanban calculations.
- Define material presentation (kitting, bulk, sequencing) and packaging standards for mechanical/composite/electrical parts.
- Lead cross-functional layout design reviews with ME, IE, Quality, EHS, and Production.
- Run discrete-event simulations (Plant Simulation/FlexSim/AnyLogic) to test throughput, sensitivity, and bottlenecks.
- Write a Launch Layout & Flow Playbook including signage, floor markings, tugger routes, supermarket definitions, and build-station standards.
- Support physical installation (tape-outs, rack placement, utility tie-ins) and validate performance through time studies and spaghetti diagrams.
- AutoCAD, Visio, Plant Simulation/FlexSim/AnyLogic, time-study methods, line balancing, 5S/visual management, industrial engineering principles.
Tools & Skills
Required qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience in factory layout, industrial engineering, material flow design, or related AME functions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Systems, or related engineering 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.
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
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
- 7+ years experience in factory layout, industrial engineering, material flow design, or related AME functions
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Systems, or related engineering 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
- Proficiency with AutoCAD
- Proficiency with Visio
- Experience with Plant Simulation
- Experience with FlexSim
- Experience with AnyLogic
- Time-study methods and line balancing
- Knowledge of 5S/visual management and industrial engineering principles
- Knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing or automation systems
- 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.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
