About this role

Shield AI is hiring a junior-level Manufacturing Engineer in the operations function based in Dallas, TX. Compensation is listed at $84,965–$127,447 per-year-salary.

Role: Manufacturing Engineer
Function: operations
Level: junior
Track: Individual contributor
Employment: Full-time
Location: Dallas, TX
Department: Aircraft Operations Division
Posted: Jan 12, 2026

Job description

from Shield AI careers

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

We are seeking a 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.
2+ 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.

#LI-JM1

#LB

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.