Associate Engineer, Manufacturing

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Follow Shield AI on Linked In, X, Instagram, and You Tube.

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated

Associate

Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for next-generation aerospace systems. In this role, you will partner with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to transition products from design into production while supporting prototype builds, new product introduction (NPI), and production ramp-up.

This position may support one or moreaircraftsystems, including airframe structures, electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical systems, avionics, final integration, or ground support equipment. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on problem solver who enjoys working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and contributing to the production of advanced aerospace products.

• Develop, implement, andoptimizemanufacturing processes for assigned products oraircraftsystems.

• Design and improve assembly tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids to support safe, repeatable, and efficient production.

• Create andmaintainwork instructions, manufacturing process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flows.

• Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, quality, and cost through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA).

• Support prototype builds, engineering builds, production readiness activities, and new product introductions.

• Troubleshootmanufacturing issues using root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Industrial Engineering to improve safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.

• Support tooling validation, first article inspections, process qualification, and production validation activities.

• Utilize CAD software to develop tooling concepts, manufacturing layouts, and production support equipment.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with engineering requirements, quality standards, and company procedures.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 0–3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, process engineering, or a related field (internship and co-op experience considered).

• Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production operations.

• Familiarity with CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, Solid Works, Creo, or equivalent.

• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative manufacturing environment.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Internship or professional experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing.

• Experience supporting prototype builds, NPI, or production environments.

• Familiarity withmachining, composites, electrical…