Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
The Director of Future Manufacturing Programs will lead design, planning, and operational readiness for next-gen manufacturing initiatives, ensuring seamless execution from concept to production ramp.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,X, YouTubeand Instagram.
Job Description:
The Director of Future Manufacturing Programs will lead the planning, industrialization, and operational readiness of next-generation manufacturing initiatives across Shield AI. This role will serve as a critical bridge between future aircraft programs, engineering, operations, and facilities — ensuring seamless execution from concept through production ramp. You will be responsible for facility design and delivery, manufacturing systems planning, and ultimately take the lead for future product production launch. This is a high-impact role at the forefront of innovation in autonomous defense manufacturing.
Are you ready to architect the facilities and programs that will power the future of AI-powered aircraft?
What You'll Do:
- Direct all aspects of planning and execution for future manufacturing programs and facilities.
- Lead facility design, layout, construction coordination, and ramp readiness for upcoming production needs.
- Serve as the Operations Lead for the future product aircraft program, from industrialization through full-rate production.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align manufacturing requirements with Aircraft Program milestones, Aircraft Engineering, and Supply Chain operations.
- Integrate future manufacturing infrastructure with Shield AI’s advanced product and technology roadmap.
- Develop and execute long-range plans for new production lines, equipment, and capability builds.
- Oversee capital investment planning and facilities scoping to meet future program objectives.
- Ensure manufacturability is embedded early in new aircraft development and lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) practices.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams to drive a seamless transition from development to scaled operations.
- Champion data-driven planning tools and milestone execution practices to track and deliver program readiness.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- Significant experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing, with 5+ years in program leadership roles.
- Proven success in facility or production program setup, especially in a startup or high-growth environment.
- Strong background in program execution and operational planning across engineering and manufacturing domains.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Systems, or Operations Management.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in aerospace or defense industries.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver production facilities and new program manufacturing readiness on aggressive timelines.
- Familiarity with new product introduction (NPI), EVM, and manufacturing systems planning at scale.
- Greenfield facility development experience is a must.
- Own budget planning and management for the future manufacturing program, including capital and operational expenditures.
#LI-JM1
#LF
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.
Top Skills
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Our Hivemind autonomy stack is the first and only autonomous AI Pilot, deployed in combat since 2018. Hivemind enables intelligent teams of aircraft to perform missions ranging from room clearance, to penetrating air defense systems, and dogfighting F-16s.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
Gallery
