Director of Manufacturing Engineering (R3177)

Job Description:

The Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering will lead the industrialization of autonomous defense systems - building the production foundation that delivers cutting-edge AI aircraft to those who protect us. This role demands exceptional leadership and execution: if you're able to architect scalable production systems, implement breakthrough manufacturing technologies, and drive teams creating the next generation of unmanned systems, this opportunity will define your career.

Ready to lead the manufacturing systems that will power the future of autonomous defense technology?

What You'll Do:

• Define, lead and develop a high-caliber manufacturing engineering team while operating with full autonomy to set direction, prioritize initiatives, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Scale V-BAT production system from limited production to industrial capacity, dramatically increasing throughput while exceeding aerospace quality standards.
• Bring our next-generation, jet-powered aircraft into production—shaping everything from layout and flow to tooling, training, and takt time.
• Drive transformational continuous improvement delivering measurable impact across efficiency, cost reduction, and quality enhancement for critical defense applications.
• Create seamless integration between advanced engineering and manufacturing execution—ensuring every engineering innovation translates effectively to production.
• Pioneer next-generation manufacturing technologies that scale quickly, effectively and with zero-defect quality requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles operating independently.
• Track record of building teams and executing complex initiatives with minimal oversight in a start-up/rapid growth manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated track record of independently driving substantial manufacturing improvements, influencing peers and achieving world-class ‘Design for Manufacture’.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering or Manufacturing.
• Background in aerospace manufacturing, advanced composites, or precision machining.
• Experience working within a technology start-up environment during hyperscale periods

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.