Associate Engineer, Manufacturing

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .
Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated Associate Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for next-generation aerospace systems. In this role, you will partner with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to transition products from design into production while supporting prototype builds, new product introduction (NPI), and production ramp-up.

This position may support one or more aircraft systems, including airframe structures, electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical systems, avionics, final integration, or ground support equipment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and contributing to the production of advanced aerospace products.

What you'll do:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for assigned products or aircraft systems.

• Design and improve assembly tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids to support safe, repeatable, and efficient production.

• Create and maintain work instructions, manufacturing process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flows.

• Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, quality, and cost through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA).

• Support prototype builds, engineering builds, production readiness activities, and new product introductions.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues using root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Industrial Engineering to improve safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.

• Support tooling validation, first article inspections, process qualification, and production validation activities.

• Utilize CAD software to develop tooling concepts, manufacturing layouts, and production support equipment.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with engineering requirements, quality standards, and company procedures.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 0–3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, process engineering, or a related field (internship and co-op experience considered).

• Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production operations.

• Familiarity with CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent.

• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative manufacturing environment.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Internship or professional experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing.

• Experience supporting prototype builds, NPI, or production environments.

• Familiarity with machining, composites, electrical assemblies, mechanical assemblies, or final system integration.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience with ERP, MES, or PLM systems.

• Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments.

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