Staff Engineer, Composite Advance 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: As a Staff Composites 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.

What You'll Do:

• 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.
• Develop CPD/Fibersim definitions & producibility assessments for composite parts.
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus in rapid growth environments.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Solidwork, NX, or CATIA).
• Experience with Composite Part Design (CPD), or Fibersim, and Generative Shape Design (GSD).
• Experience in owning the scale of production processes in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing composites processes, including machining, lamination, 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• 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.

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