Shield AI

Staff Engineer, Quality (R4840)

Shield AI$149K — $223K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field
  • 5+ years in Quality, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering roles
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions
  • Knowledge of AS9100 or similar quality systems
  • Experience with new product introduction (NPI) and scaling production
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis and process control methods
  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority

Responsibilities

  • Lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle
  • Develop and maintain quality systems in line with AS9100 standards
  • Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to identify risks
  • Establish control plans and inspection strategies
  • Utilize data-driven methods to enhance manufacturing performance
  • Mentor team members and shape quality strategy

Benefits

  • Bonus eligibility
  • Equity options
  • Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees
  • Temporary benefits package after 60 days for temporary employees
Full Job Description
Job Description:

At Shield AI, we're building advanced autonomous aircraft that are redefining what is possible, and we are looking for a Staff Quality Engineer to help ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. In this role, you will lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle, driving improvements from early design and new product introduction through full-rate production.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust quality systems in alignment with AS9100 standards, leading root cause investigations and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions. You will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to identify risks, improve process capability, and ensure consistent product quality. Your work will include supporting NPI efforts, establishing control plans and inspection strategies, and using data-driven methods to monitor and improve manufacturing performance.

As a Staff Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping quality strategy, mentoring team members, and influencing cross-functional decisions without direct authority. This is an opportunity to work hands on with next generation aerospace technology and contribute directly to the delivery of highly reliable autonomous systems that will define the future of aviation.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
  • 5+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering roles
  • Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA)
  • Strong knowledge of quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)
  • Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and scaling production in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis and process control methods (SPC, capability analysis, etc.)
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams


Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent
  • Knowledge of design for quality principles, including DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and design reviews
  • Experience working with quality and manufacturing systems (QMS, MES, PLM) and data analysis tools
  • Familiarity with advanced inspection or test methods (metrology, NDT, automated inspection, etc.)


$149,000 - $223,000 a year

*Compensation for this role is based on the position's work location. The salary range shown reflects the listed location and may vary if the position is based in a different geographic market. Actual compensation will also consider factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

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.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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