freehire launches on Product Hunt on 26 August.

Follow →

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 . 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.

        #LI-JM1

        #LB

        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.

        What this application asks

        ashby

        Name, Email, Resume

        • Current company optional
        • Current location optional
        • Phone optional
        • Additional information written answer · optional
        • LinkedIn optional
        • Twitter optional
        • GitHub optional
        • Portfolio optional
        • Other optional
        • Are you authorized to work in the United States? choose one
        • Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future? choose one
        • If yes, what type of sponsorship? written answer · optional
        • This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following? choose one
        • If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. written answer · optional
        • Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces? choose one
        • (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: written answer · optional
        • How did you hear about us? choose one
        • If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details: written answer · optional
        • Please state your full legal name:
        • Are you a transitioning service member? choose one
        • If yes, what partnership program are you working with? choose one · optional
        • If other, please provide further details written answer · optional
        • When are you available to start your fellowship? written answer · optional
        • When are you available for full time work? written answer · optional
        • What full time job(s) are you applying for? written answer
        • Are you local to or willing to relocate? choose one
        • What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) choose any · optional
        • If you selected international, what location(s)? written answer · optional

        See also

        Tailor your CV for this role?

        We couldn't check your fit for this role — add a CV to your profile to see it next time.

        A new version of freehire is available