Staff Engineer, Manufacturing

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

As a Staff Manufacturing Engineer, you'll take ownership of critical manufacturing processes across multiple programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs, and scale operations.

What You'll Do:

• Act as a technical leader across programs, owning the design and optimization of high-impact manufacturing processes.
• Drive the scale-up of the flagship product line, balancing throughput, quality, and cost.
• Lead the manufacturing engineering effort for launching a new production line for a larger and more capable jet.
• Scope and deploy critical production infrastructure, including manufacturing equipment, tooling, and hardware/software systems.
• Engage with vendors to source and integrate capital equipment, production tools, and automation systems.
• Mentor engineers and production personnel to build organizational capability and technical depth.
• Champion cross-functional initiatives that standardize and improve manufacturing performance at scale.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience.
• 7+ 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.

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.
• 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.