Director, Future Manufacturing Programs
Shield AI
What You'll Do:
- Direct all aspects of planning and execution for future manufacturing programs and facilities.
- Lead facility design, layout, construction coordination, and ramp readiness for upcoming production needs.
- Serve as the Operations Lead for the future product aircraft program, from industrialization through full-rate production.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align manufacturing requirements with Aircraft Program milestones, Aircraft Engineering, and Supply Chain operations.
- Integrate future manufacturing infrastructure with Shield AI’s advanced product and technology roadmap.
- Develop and execute long-range plans for new production lines, equipment, and capability builds.
- Oversee capital investment planning and facilities scoping to meet future program objectives.
- Ensure manufacturability is embedded early in new aircraft development and lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) practices.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams to drive a seamless transition from development to scaled operations.
- Champion data-driven planning tools and milestone execution practices to track and deliver program readiness.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- Significant experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing, with 5+ years in program leadership roles.
- Proven success in facility or production program setup, especially in a startup or high-growth environment.
- Strong background in program execution and operational planning across engineering and manufacturing domains.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Systems, or Operations Management.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in aerospace or defense industries.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver production facilities and new program manufacturing readiness on aggressive timelines.
- Familiarity with new product introduction (NPI), EVM, and manufacturing systems planning at scale.
- Greenfield facility development experience is a must.
- Own budget planning and management for the future manufacturing program, including capital and operational expenditures.