Sr Manager, Material Planning & Logistics

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 Senior Manager of Material Planning & Logistics will lead the industrialization of autonomous defense systems—building the logistics and supply chain foundation that delivers cutting-edge AI aircraft to those who protect us. This role demands exceptional operational leadership and vision: if you can architect scalable inventory and material systems, drive next-generation logistics technologies, and lead cross-functional teams to excellence in material flow, this opportunity will define your career. 

Ready to build the logistics systems that power the future of autonomous defense technology? 

• Lead and develop a high-performance logistics and material planning organization with full autonomy to prioritize initiatives, shape processes, and deliver results in a dynamic environment. 
• Architect and implement world-class inventory management systems that scale with production volume and maintain aerospace-grade accuracy and efficiency. 
• Own and drive all aspects of material planning and control—including forecasting, scheduling, and coordination with the Supply Chain function and production. 
• Direct and continuously improve logistics operations including material handling, shipping, receiving, production control, reverse logistics, and equipment (MHE) maintenance. 
• Maintain and evolve building and warehouse layouts for optimal space utilization, safety, and efficiency. 
• Define logistics KPIs, establish real-time reporting mechanisms, and ensure team alignment to operational performance goals. 
• Lead logistics and packaging engineering efforts (PFEP) to optimize material presentation and flow to production lines. 
• Launch and industrialize new logistics projects to support upcoming platforms, customer programs, and facility expansions. 
• Ensure seamless integration of logistics systems with enterprise software and provide training across teams. 
• Manage and enhance container and inventory systems, driving efficiency across all material flow channels. 
• Oversee warehouse and supermarket operations, improving throughput, accuracy, and traceability. 
• Lead logistics cost modeling, budgeting, and cost-reduction initiatives with measurable financial impact. 
• Plan for and direct space utilization for current operations and future capacity expansion.
• Guide material flow strategy and warehouse fleet planning to support operational and programmatic growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 
• 10+ years of experience in logistics, material planning, or manufacturing operations with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles. 
• Proven track record building and scaling logistics organizations in high-growth, high-complexity environments. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, implement new systems, and drive operational excellence with minimal oversight. 

• Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Industrial Engineering. 
• Background in aerospace logistics or defense manufacturing environments. 
• Experience deploying warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP integrations, and MHE fleet management in a production environment. 
• Experience operating in a fast-paced, venture-backed or startup environment during rapid scale. 

#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.