Lead Prototype Technician — Autonomous Aircraft Manufacturing

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Professional development

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Prototype Technician to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team in Dallas. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, translate engineering intent into flight-ready hardware, and help define scaling from prototype to production.

You will mentor technicians, collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality, and drive Design for Manufacturability while developing robust manufacturing processes for future programs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.
• Extensive aircraft structural assembly experience.
• Advanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.
• Experience with engineering development builds.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from concept to flight-ready hardware.
• Perform precision drilling, reaming, riveting, fastening, and structural assembly.
• Execute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup and bonding.
• Perform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and docs.
• Provide Design for Manufacturability feedback to design teams.
• Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions and tooling concepts.
• Support engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight tests.
• Fabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.
• Mentor Prototype Technicians and establish best practices.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing experience

Aircraft structural assembly

Advanced composites

Engineering development builds

GD&T interpretation

Troubleshooting

Security Clearance

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Prototype Technician to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team in Dallas. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, translate engineering intent into flight-ready hardware, and help define scaling from prototype to production.

You will mentor technicians, collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality, and drive Design for Manufacturability while developing robust manufacturing processes for future programs.