Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer — Prototype to Production

Front Door Defense; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Seattle, WA seeks an Associate Manufacturing Engineer to transition designs into high-volume aerospace production. You will collaborate across Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to support prototype builds, NPI, and ramp-up.

The role focuses on creating robust manufacturing processes, tools, and documentation, while using CAD to support layouts and tooling concepts for safe, efficient production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• 0–3 years of experience in manufacturing/production/process engineering (internships/co-ops accepted).
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production operations.
• Familiarity with CAD software (CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo)
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for assigned products or aircraft systems.
• Design and improve assembly tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids.
• Create and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and process flows.
• Collaborate to improve manufacturability, quality, and cost via DFM/DFA.
• Support prototype builds, engineering builds, and production readiness activities.
• Troubleshoot issues using root cause analysis and implement CAPA.
• Collaborate to improve safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.
• Support tooling validation, first article inspections, and process qualification.
• Use CAD to develop tooling concepts and production layouts.
• Participate in continuous improvement to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Ensure processes comply with engineering requirements and standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Fast-paced environment adaptation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CATIA

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Creo

ERP

MES

PLM

Job description

Shield AI in Seattle, WA seeks an Associate Manufacturing Engineer to transition designs into high-volume aerospace production. You will collaborate across Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to support prototype builds, NPI, and ramp-up.

The role focuses on creating robust manufacturing processes, tools, and documentation, while using CAD to support layouts and tooling concepts for safe, efficient production.