Associate Engineer, Manufacturing Hardware

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

Associate Engineer, Manufacturing

Scale prototype designs into high-volume production for aerospace systems.

Location: Seattle, Washington

Compensation: $105,000 - 160,000 USD / year

About The Role

Associate Manufacturing Engineer

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide.

We are seeking a motivated Associate Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for next-generation aerospace systems. In this role, you will partner with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to transition products from design into production while supporting prototype builds, new product introduction (NPI), and production ramp-up.

This position may support one or more aircraft systems, including airframe structures, electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical systems, avionics, final integration, or ground support equipment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and contributing to the production of advanced aerospace products.

What you'll do:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for assigned products or aircraft systems.
• Design and improve assembly tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids to support safe, repeatable, and efficient production.
• Create and maintain work instructions, manufacturing process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flows.
• Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, quality, and cost through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Support prototype builds, engineering builds, production readiness activities, and new product introductions.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues using root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Industrial Engineering to improve safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.
• Support tooling validation, first article inspections, process qualification, and production validation activities.
• Utilize CAD software to develop tooling concepts, manufacturing layouts, and production support equipment.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with engineering requirements, quality standards, and company procedures.

Required qualifications:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• Internship or professional experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, NPI, or production environments.
• Familiarity with machining, composites, electrical assemblies, mechanical assemblies, or final system integration.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP, MES, or PLM systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments.

$105,000 - $160,000 a year *Compensation for this role is based on the position's work location. The salary range shown reflects the listed location and may vary if the position is based in a different geographic market. Actual compensation will also consider factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

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.