Staff Manufacturing Engineer: Scale a Next-Gen Jet Line

Shield AI; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to own critical production processes, driving scale across programs and building the infrastructure for a new jet production line. You’ll work across engineering, supply chain, and production to deliver robust production systems and cost-efficient manufacturing.

You will deploy capital equipment, tooling, and automation, mentor engineers, and push initiatives that improve throughput, quality, and overall efficiency in a fast-paced, high‑growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering.
• 7+ years in manufacturing engineering in rapid growth environments.
• Experience scaling production in startup/rapid-growth settings.
• Knowledge of machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma practice experience.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Experience owning process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

7+ years manufacturing engineering

Startup/rapid growth experience

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Manufacturing processes

AS9100 / ISO 9001 knowledge

Additive manufacturing

Manufacturing improvements

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to own critical production processes, driving scale across programs and building the infrastructure for a new jet production line. You’ll work across engineering, supply chain, and production to deliver robust production systems and cost-efficient manufacturing.

You will deploy capital equipment, tooling, and automation, mentor engineers, and push initiatives that improve throughput, quality, and overall efficiency in a fast-paced, high‑growth