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Senior Engineer, Manufacturing (R4265)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer to support the fabrication and assembly of advanced composite airframe for next-generation aircraft. This role is integral to building prototypes, designing assembly tools and fixtures, and developing/optimizing manufacturing processes for the efficient production of high-performance aircraft structures. The ideal candidate will have experience in airframe fabrication and assembly.

What you'll do:

  • Design and optimize assembly tools, fixtures, and jigs to support high-precision structural integration.
  • Define and document work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flow for production.
  • Collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with specifications.
  • Utilize CAD software (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, etc.) for tool and fixture design and analysis.
  • Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions (RCCA) for manufacturing issues to improve efficiency and reduce defects.
  • Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (AS9100, NADCAP, MIL-STD, etc.) and company policies.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in aircraft manufacturing, assembly, or tooling design.
  • Expertise in aircraft structure assembly with knowledge of fastening, drilling, and tolerance stack-up.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5, Siemens NX, or equivalent) for tooling and assembly process design.
  • Familiarity with GD&T, metrology techniques, and precision alignment methodologies.
  • Experience working with automated assembly systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Knowledge of DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability & Assembly) principles.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, high-security environment.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Prior experience in military aircraft programs (F-35, B-21, F/A-18, F-22, etc.).
  • Understanding the fabrication, trimming, drilling, fastening, and bonding of composite and metallic aircraft components.
  • Understanding of composite materials, layup processes, curing, and bonding techniques.
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. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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