Principal Manufacturing Engineer (R3006)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

Job Description:

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will define and lead the strategic expansion of our manufacturing capabilities, driving both the scale-up of current production and the launch of an all-new production line for our next-generation jet. This is a high-impact, senior technical role responsible for factory architecture, long-term process strategy, capital equipment planning, and integration of advanced tools and technologies. You’ll work with executives, engineering leaders, and external partners to build the infrastructure required for high-volume, high-complexity aerospace manufacturing. You’ll set the standard for technical excellence and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our production systems. 

• Define and drive the company-wide strategy for scaling production capabilities, including new product introduction and facility expansion. 
• Serve as the technical lead for standing up a new production line for a significantly larger and more advanced jet, overseeing everything from process architecture to equipment commissioning. 
• Lead the planning and execution of infrastructure buildout, including capital equipment selection, software tool integration, factory layout, and vendor engagement. 
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on manufacturing strategy, risk mitigation, and long-term capability development. 
• Champion the deployment of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that enable step-function improvements in cost, quality, and scalability. 
• Represent manufacturing engineering in high-level program reviews, customer engagements, and strategic planning initiatives. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus in rapid growth environments
• Experience in owning the scale of production processes in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics 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.

• Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Proficiency in CAD software
• 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.