Lead development and scale-up of production processes and equipment for a next-generation aircraft line. Define BOM/process flows, create operator-ready work instructions, implement MES/QMS controls, run time studies and kaizen, establish standardized work and audits, partner with Quality on in-process checks and FAI, drive root-cause corrective actions, and mentor other engineers to increase throughput and reduce costs.
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:
As a Senior Staff Advance Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll take ownership of critical manufacturing processes across multiple programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs, and scale our operations. You’ll be instrumental in building out the infrastructure for a new production line supporting a next-generation jet, including selecting and deploying capital equipment, implementing hardware and software tools, and establishing robust production systems. Working across engineering, supply chain, and production, you’ll ensure smooth integration of new technologies and provide mentorship to other engineers. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on cross-functional impact, technical leadership, and factory-scale execution.
What you'll do:
- Define the Bill of Process and manufacturing sequence for assigned subassemblies or cells.
- Map MBOM to operations, tooling needs, and process controls.
- Build ergonomic workstations (height/reach zones, shadow boards, calibrated torque tools, ESD controls, POU materials).
- Create visual, operator-ready Work Instructions with torque specs, PPE, inspection points, and MES revision control.
- Conduct time studies, compute takt/CT, identify bottlenecks, and lead kaizen improvements.
- Establish standardized work, visual controls, job aids, and layered audit systems; iterate with operators.
- Capture shop-floor lessons learned defects, build issues, tooling feedback and drive root cause and corrective action.
- Partner with Quality on in-process checks, error-proofing, and FAI readiness.
- Implement ECOs, validate process updates, and maintain work instructions accordingly.
- Tools & Skills: MES/QMS systems, torque analyzers, Minitab/Excel (SPC, capability, DOE), lean/5S, PFMEA, ergonomic assessment tools, Control Plans, Standard Operating Procedures.
Required qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production systems, process development, or assembly engineering.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related STEM 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.
- Proficiency in CAD software
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines
#LI-JM1
#LE
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.
###
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Manage tool-control, calibration, inventory accuracy, FOD prevention, and logistics readiness for X-BAT ground and flight test operations. Oversee serialized records, audits, spares management, kit build/issue/reconciliation, and coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, repeatable test execution and readiness reporting.
Top Skills:
Asset-Management SystemsBarcodeCmmsErpInventory ManagementQmsRfid
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead mechanical design and analysis for V-BAT propulsion hardware from concept through production. Design components (engines, fuel/oil delivery, mounts, propeller/duct hardware), perform strength, fatigue, vibration, thermal, and FEA analyses, create CAD models and drawings, execute test and validation campaigns, manage ECOs and configuration, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve failures and integrate designs for flight readiness.
Top Skills:
3D CadCad DrawingsConfiguration ManagementEco/Engineering Change ProcessesFatigue AnalysisFinite Element Analysis (Fea)Gd&TSiemens NxThermal AnalysisTubing DesignVibration/Modal AnalysisWire Harness Routing
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Manage and ensure compliance with U.S. import regulations and partner government agency requirements. Assign HTS classifications, determine country of origin and customs valuation, oversee customs brokers, ensure accurate documentation, support duty savings programs, and collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Legal, and external brokers to resolve customs issues.
Top Skills:
19 CfrDuty DrawbackEarHtsHtsusItarU.S. Customs And Border Protection (Cbp)Usmca
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
