Head of Aircraft Production (R6147)

The role

Lead the prototype builds of the X-BAT aircraft and set up the Seattle-area factory X-Forge 3 for production. Build the production team and run aircraft production against safety, quality, delivery and cost targets.

What you will do

• Own day-to-day execution of X-BAT prototype and development aircraft builds, including assembly, integration, rework and test support.
• Set achievable build schedules, resource plans and milestones with Program Management.
• Work through build-test-learn cycles with Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Plan and run pre-series builds to prove tooling, work instructions, material flow and workforce readiness.
• Lead manufacturing setup and operational readiness for X-Forge 3, including layout, equipment and production flow.
• Recruit, develop and lead the production organization and aircraft assembly team.
• Own production staffing, training and capacity plans.
• Lead the transition from prototype operations into Seattle production.
• Own production performance against safety, quality, delivery and cost targets through initial production and rate production.
• Improve throughput, labor productivity, first-pass quality and schedule adherence using Lean methods and structured problem-solving.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or comparable advanced manufacturing.
• At least 5 years leading production teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading prototype or new product introduction builds and carrying a product 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 and drive clear accountability.
• Hands-on leadership style, moving between long-term factory planning and detailed floor problem-solving.

Nice to have

• 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, including AS9100, and digital manufacturing and 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.

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees receive a bonus.
• Full-time regular employees receive benefits.
• Full-time regular employees receive equity.
• Temporary employees receive a temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment.

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.
• Pay depends on factors including skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and work location.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.