Staff Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-tech company, is hiring a Staff Manufacturing Engineer in Dallas. You will own critical manufacturing processes across several programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs and scale operations. You will help build the infrastructure for a new production line supporting a next-generation jet, working across engineering, supply chain and production, and mentoring other engineers.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a technical leader across programs, owning the design and optimization of high-impact manufacturing processes.
• Drive the scale-up of the flagship product line, balancing throughput, quality and cost.
• Lead the manufacturing engineering effort for launching a new production line for a larger, more capable jet.
• Scope and deploy 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.
• Champion cross-functional initiatives that standardize and improve manufacturing performance at scale.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, focused on rapid-growth environments.
• Experience owning the scale of production processes in a startup or rapid-growth setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
• Process improvement methods such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Preferred: knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001, CAD proficiency, familiarity with additive manufacturing or automation, ERP/MRP knowledge, hands-on equipment and tooling design, and strong project management.