JobPosting
title: Lead Prototype Technician
description: Shield AI is seeking an experienced Lead Prototype Technician to join the Prototype & New Product Launch team. The successful candidate will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve challenging technical problems, influence product design through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and help define how products transition from prototype to production. Key Responsibilities: Build prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware. Perform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration. Execute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly. Perform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs. Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation. Partner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback. Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods. Support engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns. Fabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware. Mentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards. What Success Looks Like: Deliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality. Solve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues. Influence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise. Develop repeatable manufacturing processes. Mentor technicians and elevate team capability. Requirements: 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience. Extensive aircraft structural assembly experience. Advanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair. Experience with engineer…
date posted: 2026-08-04T02:05:45.046Z
valid through: 2026-10-03T02:05:45.046Z
direct apply: false
occupational category: Manufacturing
industry: Technology
skills: aerospace manufacturing
skills: prototype experience
skills: aircraft structural assembly
skills: advanced composites
skills: engineering development builds
skills: troubleshooting
skills: problem-solving
skills: U.S. Security Clearance
skills: military aircraft
skills: UAV
skills: eVTOL
skills: rotorcraft experience
skills: prototype-to-production transition experience
skills: AS9100 experience
skills: A&P License
skills: military aviation maintenance experience
skills: leadership or mentoring experience
hiring organization: Shield AI
job location: Place
  address: PostalAddress
    address locality: Dallas
    address region: Texas
    address country: US
employment type: FULL_TIME