Supplier Development Engineer - Electronics (R5480)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI, located in Dallas, Texas, is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer focused on improving supplier performance in electrical components. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in supplier development, quality engineering, and aerospace industry experience.

Key responsibilities include conducting audits, managing quality assurance processes, and utilizing root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing issues. The position offers a full-time regular employee package, including salary, benefits, and equity.

Qualifications

• Strong background in supplier development and aerospace industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with SMT and understanding of PCBA drawing.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with supplier feedback.

Responsibilities

• Audit and embed core supplier processes for improvements in quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement improvement plans.
• Travel domestically and internationally ~50%.

Skills

Supplier development

Quality engineering

Production process improvement

Supply chain management

Root cause analysis

Leadership

Communication skills

Knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001

Education

M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

PFMEA

SMT processes

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

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Supplier Development Engineer to join Shield AI, focusing on electrical components/PCBA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supplier development, quality engineering, production process improvement, and supply chain management within the aerospace industry. This role is critical in enhancing supplier performance by solving supplier challenges that impact quality, on‑time delivery, and scaling, supporting the onboarding of suppliers to new designs, and delivering on our mission to deliver affordable and autonomous mass at scale.

Responsibilities

• Process Improvement: Audit and embed into core supplier processes to understand improvement opportunities to cost, lead‑times, and quality
• Identify and resolve manufacturing defects, process inefficiencies, and quality issues in SMT assembly, such as solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI)
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production failures, utilizing tools like PFMEA
• Ensure adherence to industry standards (IPC‑A‑610, J‑STD‑001)
• Quality Assurance: Conduct on‑site audits to root cause supplier quality issues or performance challenges
• Supplier Development: Assess and improve supplier capabilities, ensuring alignment with engineering and operational priorities
• Engineering Technical Support: Provide technical guidance to suppliers on part specifications, manufacturing processes and standards, and quality measures
• Supplier Performance Monitoring: Track and analyze supplier performance metrics, including delivery, quality, and cost. Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement plans as necessary
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure uninterrupted production and delivery of components
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support the introduction of new products by ensuring suppliers meet all quality and delivery requirements during the development phase
• Hands‑on experience with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and PCBA
• Knowledge of industry standards (IPC‑A‑610, J‑STD‑001)
• Ability to analyze PCBA drawing and critical features on electronic assemblies
• Ability to travel to domestic and international suppliers ~50%+ of time
• M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• Problem‑solving skills including root cause investigation and failure analysis
• Leadership experience on a cross‑functional project team (e.g., engineering, supply chain, production)

Qualifications

See Responsibilities for technical requirements. Preferred qualifications include:

• Strong background in supplier development, quality engineering, or production process improvement within the aerospace industry
• Experience with SMT assembly and PCBA manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001 standards
• Proficiency in root‑cause analysis tools such as PFMEA
• Proven ability to enforce quality standards and conduct supplier audits
• Excellent communication and technical support skills
• Willingness to travel ~50% of time domestically and internationally

Benefits

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).

All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.