Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace Systems

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development, implementation and optimization of manufacturing processes for advanced aerospace systems. You will own one or more aircraft systems throughout the product lifecycle, working with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain and Program Management to move products from development into production. The role covers prototype builds, new product introduction, production readiness and ramp-up, and may involve aircraft structures, electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical systems, avionics, final integration, ground support equipment or other complex aerospace assemblies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering for assigned aircraft systems from prototype through full-rate production.
• Develop, implement and optimize manufacturing processes, production methods and assembly sequences to improve safety, quality, cost and throughput.
• Design and validate assembly tooling, fixtures, jigs and manufacturing aids, and use CAD software to develop tooling concepts and production support equipment.
• Maintain work instructions, SOPs, manufacturing specifications and process documentation.
• Partner with Design Engineering on DFM/DFA and engineering changes, and lead prototype builds, first article inspections and NPI.
• Troubleshoot issues with root cause analysis and implement CAPA, and drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, ergonomics, safety and capacity.
• Work with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering and Program Management, and support supplier manufacturing readiness and qualification.
• Mentor Associate and Manufacturing Engineers and support production planning and capacity planning.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with complex aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics or advanced manufacturing products.
• Experience developing processes, tooling and production methods for complex assemblies, and with prototype builds, ramp-up and NPI.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Required skills

• CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo or equivalent.
• Engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis and manufacturing documentation.
• DFM/DFA principles.
• Preferred: AS9100, ISO 9001, Lean, Six Sigma, VSM, ERP/MES/PLM, robotics and prior mentoring experience.