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Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical (R4712)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Supplier Development Engineer to join Shield AI, focusing on machined parts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supplier development, quality engineering, production process improvement, and supply chain management within the aerospace industry. This role is critical in enhancing supplier performance by solving supplier challenges that impact quality/on-time delivery/scaling, supporting the onboarding of suppliers to new designs, and delivering on our mission to deliver affordable and autonomous mass at scale.

What you'll do:

  • Process Improvement: Audit and embed into core supplier processes to understand improvement opportunities to cost, lead-times, and quality
  • Quality Assurance: Conduct on-site audits to root cause supplier quality issues or performance challenges
  • Supplier Development: Assess and improve supplier capabilities, ensuring alignment with engineering and operational priorities.
  • Engineering Technical Support: Provide technical guidance to suppliers on part specifications, manufacturing processes and standards, and quality measures
  • Supplier Performance Monitoring: Track and analyze supplier performance metrics, including delivery, quality, and cost. Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement plans as necessary.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure uninterrupted production and delivery of components
  • New Product Introduction (NPI): Support the introduction of new products by ensuring suppliers meet all quality and delivery requirements during the development phase

Required qualifications:

  • 7 plus years of supply chain, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, 
  • CAD (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, etc.) 
  • Excel / data analysis
  • PLM or ERP systems
  • Travel up to 50%
  • Can read drawings + GD&T confidently
  • Understand machining/welding/forming processes
  • Led root cause investigations (8D, 5 Whys)
  • Worked with suppliers or production lines
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 venture-backed defense technology company specializing in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and next-generation military aviation. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Diego, the company is focused on building advanced software and hardware solutions that enable military forces to operate effectively in the most contested, denied, and high-risk environments. Its technologies are designed to function where traditional systems fail—particularly in GPS-denied, communications-disrupted, and highly dynamic combat scenarios.

At the core of Shield AI’s innovation is its emphasis on software-driven autonomy. Rather than relying on remote human operators, the company develops AI-powered “pilots” capable of independently navigating complex missions, making real-time decisions, and executing objectives with speed and precision. This approach allows autonomous systems to operate with greater resilience, reduced latency, and significantly enhanced survivability in modern warfare environments.

Its mission is to protect service members and civilians through intelligent, autonomous systems. This mission drives the company’s commitment to reducing human risk on the battlefield while expanding the operational reach and effectiveness of defense forces. By combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with deep operational insight, Shield AI is helping to redefine how military missions are planned, executed, and sustained in the era of autonomous warfare.

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