Staff Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing - Special Projects (R4972)

About the role

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. As a Staff Advance Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll take ownership of critical manufacturing processes across multiple programs, leading initiatives to increase throughput, reduce costs, and scale our operations.

Responsibilities

• Define the Bill of Process and manufacturing sequence for assigned subassemblies or cells.
• Map MBOM to operations, tooling needs, and process controls.
• Build ergonomic workstations (height/reach zones, shadow boards, calibrated torque tools, ESD controls, POU materials).
• Create visual, operator-ready Work Instructions with torque specs, PPE, inspection points, and MES revision control.
• Conduct time studies, compute takt/CT, identify bottlenecks, and lead kaizen improvements.
• Establish standardized work, visual controls, job aids, and layered audit systems; iterate with operators.
• Capture shop-floor lessons learned defects, build issues, tooling feedback and drive root cause and corrective action.
• Partner with Quality on in-process checks, error-proofing, and FAI readiness.
• Implement ECOs, validate process updates, and maintain work instructions accordingly.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance required
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production systems, process development, or assembly engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related STEM field.
• Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
• 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.
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment and tooling design.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Skills

• MES/QMS systems
• Torque analyzers
• Minitab/Excel (SPC, capability, DOE)
• Lean/5S
• PFMEA
• Ergonomic assessment tools
• Control Plans
• Standard Operating Procedures

Pay

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $190,000 per year, with bonus, benefits, and equity also included in the offer package.

Schedule

This is a full-time regular employee position.

Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including pay within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees. Temporary employees are eligible for a temporary benefits package after 60 days of employment.