Director, Future Manufacturing Programs

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). 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 and 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? 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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 

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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.

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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.