Lead deployment of an AI-native digital factory: define digital architecture, deploy MES and integrations, enable AI-driven manufacturing (predictive maintenance, automated root-cause analysis, intelligent work instructions), digitize manufacturing knowledge, and drive automation and factory transformation across production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain.
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.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is building intelligent, autonomous aircraft that protect service members and civilians around the world. As we scale production, we're building more than a factory—we're building an AI-native manufacturing ecosystem that will define the future of aerospace production.
Build the AI Factory of the Future
We're looking for a Digital Factory Lead to help create one of the world's most advanced manufacturing environments.
This role sits at the intersection of manufacturing, software, data, automation, and artificial intelligence. You will define and deploy the digital systems, connected infrastructure, and AI-enabled tools that power aircraft production—transforming factory operations through technology.
From implementing our Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to deploying AI-powered manufacturing solutions, you'll help define how autonomous aircraft are built for years to come.
What you'll do:
- Develop and execute Shield AI's AI Manufacturing roadmap.
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI across production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, training, and operational decision-making.
- Deploy AI-powered solutions including intelligent work instructions, manufacturing copilots, predictive maintenance, automated root-cause analysis, and advanced analytics.
- Partner with software and data teams to turn operational challenges into scalable technical solutions.
- Capture and digitize manufacturing knowledge to improve workforce productivity, training, and consistency.
- Lead the deployment, configuration, and continuous improvement of Shield AI's Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
- Establish the digital thread connecting engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain operations.
- Drive integration between MES, ERP, PLM, QMS, factory automation systems, and manufacturing equipment.
- Define and deploy the digital architecture supporting production equipment, tooling, test systems, PLCs, sensors, and industrial controls.
- Establish factory-wide connectivity and real-time operational visibility.
- Develop the data ecosystem required to support AI, automation, analytics, and future autonomous manufacturing capabilities.
- Develop and execute Shield AI's Digital Factory roadmap.
- Lead automation initiatives across manufacturing, inspection, testing, and material flow.
- Evaluate emerging technologies including machine vision, digital twins, autonomous inspection, and next-generation manufacturing systems.
- Help define what aircraft manufacturing should look like over the next decade.
AI-Enabled Manufacturing
Digital Factory Systems
Connected Factory Infrastructure
Factory Transformation
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of experience in digital manufacturing, manufacturing systems, industrial automation, software-enabled operations, or Industry 4.0 environments.
- Experience implementing manufacturing software systems such as MES, QMS, maintenance, analytics, or automation platforms.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial controls, factory automation, and manufacturing data systems.
- Experience working directly with software developers, system integrators, automation engineers, or data teams to deliver production-ready solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through deployment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, electronics, or other high-complexity manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting greenfield factory launches or large-scale factory transformations.
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or digital twin technologies in an operational environment.
- Knowledge of AS9100, or other highly controlled manufacturing systems.
Why Shield AI?
Most companies are still trying to digitize their factories.
At Shield AI, we're building an AI-native manufacturing environment from the ground up.
The systems, technologies, and AI-enabled capabilities you deploy will directly influence how autonomous aircraft are manufactured for years to come, enabling Shield AI to scale production while maintaining the quality, speed, and operational excellence required for mission-critical aerospace systems.
#LI-JM1
#LD
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
Support implementation and monitoring of FAR/DFARS/CAS compliance controls, assist policy and control documentation, participate in internal reviews and audit readiness, prepare government filings, produce compliance reports and dashboards, monitor regulatory updates, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Senior technician responsible for inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, modifying, and maintaining V-BAT Ground Support Equipment. Perform electrical, electronic, mechanical diagnostics and repairs, construct and test wiring harnesses, complete maintenance documentation, support root-cause investigations, improve procedures, and assist with aircraft-level maintenance when workload allows.
Top Skills:
Connector RepairContinuity TestingCrimpingDigital MultimeterElectronic Maintenance/Work-Order Management SystemsFaa Airframe And Powerplant (A&P)Insulation TesterIpc-A-610Ipc/Whma-A-620J-Std-001Load-Testing EquipmentMS OfficePower SupplyResistance TestingSolderingVoltage TestingWiring Harness Repair
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead technical strategy and implementation of V-BAT fleet data analysis pipelines and tooling. Transform raw flight, simulation, and production data into metrics, dashboards, and reports; perform fleet-wide studies, anomaly investigations, and root-cause analysis; partner with cross-functional teams and mentor engineers on analysis best practices.
Top Skills:
Cloud StorageData CatalogingData LakeDatabasesJupyterMatlabPythonTelemetry SystemsTime-Series Databases
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
