Digital Factory Lead (R5265)

The role

The Digital Factory Lead will define and deploy digital systems, connected infrastructure and AI-enabled tools that power aircraft production. The role covers the Manufacturing Execution System, factory automation and an AI manufacturing roadmap.

What you will do

• Develop and execute the AI Manufacturing roadmap.
• Deploy AI-powered solutions such as intelligent work instructions, manufacturing copilots, predictive maintenance and root-cause analysis.
• Capture and digitize manufacturing knowledge to improve training and consistency.
• Lead deployment and continuous improvement of the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
• Establish the digital thread connecting engineering, production, quality, maintenance and supply chain.
• Drive integration between MES, ERP, PLM, QMS, factory automation and manufacturing equipment.
• Define the digital architecture for production equipment, PLCs, sensors and industrial controls.
• Establish factory-wide connectivity and real-time operational visibility.
• Develop and execute the Digital Factory roadmap and lead automation in manufacturing, inspection, testing and material flow.
• Evaluate emerging technologies such as machine vision, digital twins and autonomous inspection.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Automation or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in digital manufacturing, manufacturing systems, industrial automation, software-enabled operations or Industry 4.0 environments.
• Experience implementing manufacturing software systems such as MES, QMS, maintenance, analytics or automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial controls, factory automation and manufacturing data systems.
• Experience working directly with software developers, system integrators, automation engineers or data teams to deliver production-ready solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives from concept through deployment.

Nice to have

• Aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, electronics or other high-complexity manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting greenfield factory launches or large-scale factory transformations.
• Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics or digital twin technologies in an operational environment.
• Knowledge of AS9100 or other highly controlled manufacturing systems.

Benefits

• Bonus for full-time regular employees.
• Benefits package for full-time regular employees.
• Equity for full-time regular employees.
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, 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.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company founded in 2015 that builds intelligent, autonomous aircraft to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.