Senior Engineer, Manufacturing

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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:

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for advanced aerospace systems. In this role, you will own one or more aircraft systems throughout the product lifecycle, partnering with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to transition products from development into production.

You will play a key role in prototype builds, new product introduction (NPI), production readiness, and production ramp-up while driving improvements in manufacturability, quality, throughput, and cost. This position may support aircraft structures, electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical systems, avionics, final integration, ground support equipment, or other complex aerospace assemblies.

What you'll do:

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities for assigned aircraft systems from prototype development through full-rate production.

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes, production methods, and assembly sequences to improve safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

• Design and validate assembly tooling, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids to support efficient and repeatable production.

• Develop and maintain work instructions, manufacturing process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and manufacturing specifications.

• Partner with Design Engineering to influence product designs through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) and support engineering change implementation.

• Lead prototype builds, production readiness activities, first article inspections, and new product introductions.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues using structured root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing efficiency, quality, ergonomics, safety, and production capacity.

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, and Program Management to achieve program objectives.

• Support supplier manufacturing readiness, process validation, and qualification activities as required.

• Utilize CAD software to develop tooling concepts, manufacturing aids, and production support equipment.

• Mentor Associate and Manufacturing Engineers while promoting engineering best practices and manufacturing standards.

• Support production planning, capacity planning, and manufacturing strategy for future production growth.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing products.

• Experience developing manufacturing processes, tooling, and production methods for complex assemblies.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, composites, electrical assemblies, precision mechanical assemblies, or final system integration.

• Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent.

• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing documentation.

• Experience supporting prototype builds, production ramp-up, and New Product Introduction (NPI).

• Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles.

• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting military, commercial aerospace, defense, automotive, or advanced manufacturing programs.

• Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience with ERP, MES, PLM, or digital manufacturing systems.

• Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, or advanced production technologies.

• Previous experience mentoring engineers or leading technical projects.

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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.