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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems and aircraft for military and civilian protection. This role leads the establishment and scaling of aircraft production operations at the Seattle facility (X-Forge 3), overseeing the X-BAT aircraft program from prototype through sustained production.
You will own three interconnected areas:
**Prototype Builds & New Product Introduction:** Lead day-to-day execution of X-BAT prototype and development aircraft builds, including assembly, integration, rework, and test support. Partner with Program Management to establish realistic build schedules and resource plans. Work with Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering through build-test-learn cycles, capturing and resolving issues to improve future designs. Plan and execute pre-series builds to validate tooling, work instructions, material flow, process controls, and workforce readiness before production ramp. Maintain configuration discipline and aircraft traceability throughout development.
**Establish Seattle Production Operation:** Lead manufacturing setup and operational readiness for X-Forge 3, collaborating with Facilities and Manufacturing Engineering on factory layout, equipment installation, commissioning, and production flow. Recruit, develop, and lead the production organization, building capable frontline leadership and skilled assembly teams. Own production staffing, training, and capacity plans aligned with program demand. Drive launch readiness across people, tooling, materials, processes, and quality. Lead the transition from prototype to production operations, ensuring knowledge and lessons transfer.
**Deliver & Scale Production:** Own production execution against safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets as X-BAT moves through initial and sustained production. Establish daily operating routines, visual management, and escalation processes. Improve throughput, labor productivity, first-pass quality, and schedule adherence through Lean methods and structured problem-solving. Partner with Supply Chain and Planning on material availability and supplier readiness. Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to eliminate recurring issues. Deploy digital manufacturing tools and automation. Provide leadership with clear visibility of production performance, launch readiness, and risks.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related technical field
- 10+ years in aerospace or comparable advanced manufacturing, including at least 5 years leading production teams
- Demonstrated experience leading prototype or new product introduction builds and carrying products into sustained production
- Proven ability to build and scale manufacturing operations, including workforce development, capacity planning, and production systems
- Experience leading complex assembly and integration operations with demanding quality, configuration, and traceability requirements
- Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, tooling validation, material coordination, and production launch
- Track record of improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost through Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving
- Ability to lead across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management, resolving competing priorities and driving accountability
- Hands-on leadership style, moving between long-term factory planning and detailed floor problem-solving
**Preferred Qualifications:**
- Direct experience taking a new aircraft program from prototype through initial and rate production
- Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility or transferring production between sites
- Experience in aircraft final assembly, systems integration, and production test
- Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100) and digital manufacturing/traceability tools
- Experience managing production interfaces with outsourced manufacturing partners and complex supplier networks
- Advanced degree or relevant training in manufacturing leadership, program management, or production launch
