AI Factory Architect & Digital Manufacturing Lead

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is building an AI-native manufacturing environment for autonomous aircraft. The Digital Factory Lead will define and deploy digital systems, MES and AI-enabled tools to power aircraft production—transforming factory operations through technology.

From implementing MES to deploying AI-powered manufacturing solutions, you will shape how autonomous aircraft are built for years to come. This is a full-time role with equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or related 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 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Define and deploy 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 MES.
• Establish the digital thread connecting engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain operations.
• Drive integration between MES, ERP, PLM, QMS, factory automation, and equipment.
• Define and deploy the digital architecture supporting production equipment, tooling, test systems, PLCs, sensors, and controls.
• Establish factory-wide connectivity and real-time visibility.
• Develop the data ecosystem required to support AI, automation, analytics, and future 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-gen systems.
• Help define what aircraft manufacturing should look like over the next decade.

Skills

Digital manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

AI in operations

Industrial automation

MES and ERP integration

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related

Tools

MES

QMS

Automation platforms

Job description

Shield AI is building an AI-native manufacturing environment for autonomous aircraft. The Digital Factory Lead will define and deploy digital systems, MES and AI-enabled tools to power aircraft production—transforming factory operations through technology.

From implementing MES to deploying AI-powered manufacturing solutions, you will shape how autonomous aircraft are built for years to come. This is a full-time role with equity and benefits.