Staff Engineer, Manufacturing

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Shieldai, a defense-tech company in Dallas, is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to oversee critical manufacturing processes. In this role, you will lead initiatives to enhance throughput while managing complex production lines for next-generation aircraft.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields and over 7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally within high-growth environments. This position offers a competitive salary, bonus, and equity, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in rapid growth environments.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining and composites.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to increase throughput and reduce costs in manufacturing processes.
• Scope and deploy critical production infrastructure and manufacturing equipment.
• Mentor engineers and production personnel to enhance organizational capabilities.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Process improvement methodologies

Project management

CAD software

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Additive manufacturing technologies

Job description

Founded in 2015, 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 and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

Job Description

As a Staff Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll take ownership of critical manufacturing processes across multiple programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs, and scale our operations. You’ll be instrumental in building out the infrastructure for a new production line supporting a next‑generation jet, including selecting and deploying capital equipment, implementing hardware and software tools, and establishing robust production systems. Working across engineering, supply chain, and production, you’ll ensure smooth integration of new technologies and provide mentorship to other engineers. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on cross‑functional impact, technical leadership, and factory‑scale execution.

• Act as a technical leader across programs, owning the design and optimization of high‑impact manufacturing processes.
• Drive the scale‑up of our flagship product line, balancing throughput, quality, and cost.
• Lead the manufacturing engineering effort for launching a new production line for a larger and more capable jet.
• Scope and deploy critical production infrastructure, including manufacturing equipment, tooling, and hardware/software systems.
• Engage with vendors to source and integrate capital equipment, production tools, and automation systems.
• Mentor engineers and production personnel to build organizational capability and technical depth.
• Champion cross‑functional initiatives that standardize and improve manufacturing performance at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus in rapid growth environments.
• Experience in owning the scale of production processes in a startup or rapid‑growth environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Proficiency in CAD software.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and data‑driven decision‑making in a manufacturing context.
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Benefits

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.