Associate Engineer, Manufacturing

About the Role

Shield AI is seeking a motivated Associate Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for next-generation aerospace systems. This role involves partnering with Design Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to transition products from design into production, supporting prototype builds, new product introduction (NPI), and production ramp-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for assigned products or aircraft systems.
• Design and improve assembly tools, fixtures, jigs, and manufacturing aids to support safe, repeatable, and efficient production.
• Create and maintain work instructions, manufacturing process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flows.
• Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, quality, and cost through Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Support prototype builds, engineering builds, production readiness activities, and new product introductions.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues using root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Industrial Engineering to improve safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.
• Support tooling validation, first article inspections, process qualification, and production validation activities.
• Utilize CAD software to develop tooling concepts, manufacturing layouts, and production support equipment.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with engineering requirements, quality standards, and company procedures.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0–3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, process engineering, or a related field (internship and co-op experience considered).
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production operations.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship or professional experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, NPI, or production environments.
• Familiarity with machining, composites, electrical assemblies, mechanical assemblies, or final system integration.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP, MES, or PLM systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments.