Associate Engineer, Manufacturing

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Equity options

Benefits package

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Dallas, Texas, to support advanced composite airframe assembly for next-generation aircraft. This role focuses on designing tools and optimizing manufacturing processes, crucial for building prototypes and enhancing production efficiency.

The position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, along with 2+ years of aircraft manufacturing experience. Familiarity with CAD software and aerospace compliance standards are essential. The company offers competitive pay, benefits, bonus, and equity options.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in aircraft manufacturing or tooling design.
• Expertise in fastening, drilling, and tolerance stack-up.
• Familiarity with GD&T and metrology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize assembly tools for structural integration.
• Define work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with teams for manufacturability and compliance.

Skills

Aircraft structure assembly knowledge

Problem-solving skills

CAD software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the fabrication and assembly of advanced composite airframe for next-generation aircraft. This role is integral to building prototypes, designing assembly tools and fixtures, and developing/optimizing manufacturing processes for the efficient production of high-performance aircraft structures. The ideal candidate will have experience in airframe fabrication and assembly.

What you’ll do:

• Design and optimize assembly tools, fixtures, and jigs to support high-precision structural integration.
• Define and document work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flow for production.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with specifications.
• Utilize CAD software (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, etc.) for tool and fixture design and analysis.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions (RCCA) for manufacturing issues to improve efficiency and reduce defects.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (AS9100, NADCAP, MIL-STD, etc.) and company policies.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in aircraft manufacturing, assembly, or tooling design.
• Expertise in aircraft structure assembly with knowledge of fastening, drilling, and tolerance stack‑up.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5, Siemens NX, or equivalent) for tooling and assembly process design.
• Familiarity with GD&T, metrology techniques, and precision alignment methodologies.
• Experience working with automated assembly systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.Knowledge of DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability & Assembly) principles.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑security environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience in military aircraft programs (F-35, B-21, F/A-18, F-22, etc.).
• Understanding the fabrication, trimming, drilling, fastening, and bonding of composite and metallic aircraft components.
• Understanding of composite materials, layup processes, curing, and bonding techniques.

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.