Manager, Materials Planning & Logistics – Development Programs (R5252)

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Materials Planning & Logistics Manager in Dallas, Texas to lead supply planning and logistics for next­-generation autonomous aircraft programs. This role requires a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, focusing on material flow and planning processes.

You will drive operations for a new manufacturing facility and enhance inventory strategies, working collaboratively across teams to support rapid development and effective execution.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in materials planning, production control, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Experience supporting complex hardware development programs in aerospace or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead material planning activities for development programs.
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and Procurement to maintain build plans.
• Manage the release of work to the production floor and monitor performance.

Skills

Materials planning

Logistics

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Oracle

SAP

Costpoint

Job description

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking a highly driven Materials Planning & Logistics Manager to lead supply planning, material readiness, inventory strategy, and execution for next‑generation autonomous aircraft development programs and a new greenfield manufacturing facility. This role is critical in establishing the material flow, planning processes, warehouse operations, and logistics infrastructure required to successfully transition advanced products from development into scalable production.

What you’ll do

Development Program Materials Planning

• Lead material planning activities for development programs.
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and Procurement to develop and maintain accurate build plans aligned with program milestones.
• Manage the release of work to the production floor and KPIs to monitor performance.
• Identify long‑lead material risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect schedule.
• Create and manage recovery schedules.
• Drive engineering change management processes to support rapid development and ECO implementation.
• Develop planning models that support rapid prototyping, design iteration, and low‑rate initial production activities.
• Develop and implement scalable processes that support future production growth.

Greenfield Facility Build & Operational Readiness

• Lead planning and logistics readiness activities for a new manufacturing facility.
• Design and implement warehouse, stockroom, and material flow processes from receiving through point‑of‑use consumption.
• Establish inventory control procedures, material storage standards, and transaction discipline.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Facilities teams to optimize material movement and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership

• Create a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and mission execution.
• Establish standard work and training programs.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration to solve complex challenges.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in materials planning, production control, logistics, inventory management, or supply chain operations.
• Experience supporting complex hardware development programs in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or scaling material planning and inventory management processes.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain planning methodologies.
• Experience managing material readiness for new product introduction (NPI) and engineering development programs.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, highly dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing facility launches or major facility expansions.
• Aerospace, defense, unmanned systems, or advanced technology manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Oracle, SAP, Costpoint, or similar ERP platforms.
• APICS/ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, DFARS, and government contracting requirements.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or operational excellence experience.
• Experience supporting production ramp and transition from development to rate manufacturing.

Why Shield AI

At Shield AI, you’ll help build technology that matters. You’ll work alongside world‑class engineers, operators, and innovators solving some of the most challenging problems in autonomy and national security. This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundation of a rapidly growing aerospace and defense company while helping bring revolutionary autonomous systems into operational service.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.

• Full‑time: Pay within the range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.
• Temporary: Pay within the 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.