Job Description:Do you thrive at the intersection of high-stakes execution and advanced technology? Shield AI is seeking a Director of Production to lead our U.S.-based manufacturing operations and help scale the future of autonomous defense systems. You'll drive execution across factory floor operations, partner cross-functionally with quality, engineering and supply chain teams, and ensure our production systems are ready for what's next.
We're looking for a bold, hands-on leader who can inspire teams, architect production systems, and scale operations with intensity, precision, and a clear mission in mind.
What you'll do:- Architect and execute forward-looking production plans that balance scale, agility, and quality-all while meeting demanding cost and delivery goals.
- Drive aircraft production capabilities, implementing systems, processes, and staffing to support rapid growth.
- Lead high-performance teams across production operations, driving excellence through clear expectations, coaching, and accountability.
- Collaborate deeply with quality, engineering, supply chain, and customer operations to integrate design, sourcing, and production workflows.
- Champion continuous improvement across every dimension of production: throughput, takt, quality, and cost.
- Embed data-driven decision-making into daily operations using KPI dashboards, metrics reviews, and operational cadences.
- Drive the adoption of automation, digitization, and advanced manufacturing methods to future-proof our operations.
- Serve as a trusted voice to executive leadership-reporting insights, flagging risks, and translating complexity into action.
Required qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, or related field; Master's preferred.
- 10+ years of production leadership in advanced manufacturing environments (aerospace, automotive, or similar).
- Proven experience building and scaling a manufacturing operation.
- 5+ years leading large teams in high-precision, high-throughput settings.
- Success managing complex outsourced manufacturing or tiered vendor ecosystems.
- Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies-and a passion for driving results through them.
- Exceptional communicator, able to navigate executive-level reporting and cross-functional alignment.
- A systems thinker with hands-on grit, capable of zooming between strategic planning and operational execution.
$190,000 - $290,000 a year
#LF
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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