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Shield AI

a16z — Backed by a16z
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Staff Engineer, Composite Manufacturing

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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:
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.
#LI-JM1
#LD

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.
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What this application asks

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Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website

  • 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 · optional
  • What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) yes / no · optional
  • If you selected international, what location(s)? written answer · optional

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