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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead quality initiatives across product lifecycle for autonomous aircraft, develop and maintain AS9100-aligned quality systems, perform RCA/CAPA, support NPI and production scaling, establish control plans and inspection strategies, apply SPC and capability analysis, mentor teams, and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to improve process capability and product reliability.
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.
At Shield AI, we’re building advanced autonomous aircraft that are redefining what is possible, and we are looking for a Staff Quality Engineer to help ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. In this role, you will lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle, driving improvements from early design and new product introduction through full-rate production.
You will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust quality systems in alignment with AS9100 standards, leading root cause investigations and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions. You will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to identify risks, improve process capability, and ensure consistent product quality. Your work will include supporting NPI efforts, establishing control plans and inspection strategies, and using data-driven methods to monitor and improve manufacturing performance.
As a Staff Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping quality strategy, mentoring team members, and influencing cross-functional decisions without direct authority. This is an opportunity to work hands on with next generation aerospace technology and contribute directly to the delivery of highly reliable autonomous systems that will define the future of aviation.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
- 5+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering roles
- Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA)
- Strong knowledge of quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and scaling production in a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and process control methods (SPC, capability analysis, etc.)
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent
- Knowledge of design for quality principles, including DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and design reviews
- Experience working with quality and manufacturing systems (QMS, MES, PLM) and data analysis tools
- Familiarity with advanced inspection or test methods (metrology, NDT, automated inspection, etc.)
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 technical field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering roles
- Experience leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA)
- Strong knowledge of quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and scaling production
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and process control methods (SPC, capability analysis)
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent
- Knowledge of design for quality principles, including DFMEA and tolerance analysis
- Experience working with quality and manufacturing systems (QMS, MES, PLM) and data analysis tools
- Familiarity with advanced inspection or test methods (metrology, NDT, automated inspection)
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
