Job Description:Shield AI is seeking a highly capable Production Engineering Technician to oversee technician training, continuous improvement initiatives, and production analytics for the V-BAT production line. The role is responsible for developing workforce capability and establishing robust, data-driven operational systems that enhance safety, quality, delivery performance, cost efficiency, and production scalability.
What you'll do:Training- Own the VBAT production training program, including onboarding, role-based training, cross-training, recertification, ongoing skills development, and technician qualification records.
- Develop and deliver effective classroom, workstation, and on-the-job training for assembly, production, and test processes; maintain skills matrices, on the job training assessments, and training readiness metrics.
- Continuously identify skill gaps, align training to current production needs, and assess effectiveness through observations, competency checks, audit results, technician feedback, and production performance.
Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement- Lead continuous-improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles-including 5S, visual management, standard work, root-cause analysis, waste reduction, and flow optimization-to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
- Use production, quality, and training data to identify and help resolve bottlenecks, cycle-time variation, recurring defects, rework, material-flow issues, equipment downtime, ergonomic risks, and workforce capability gaps.
- Own the CCAR process and lead the Manufacturing Council, creating a responsive closed-loop system that turns technician feedback and shop-floor opportunities into prioritized, implemented, verified, and sustained improvements.
Data Analytics- Build a data-driven operating model for the VBAT production team by establishing standardized performance metrics, reporting cadences, and visual management routines that enable timely, data-driven decisions.
- Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly dashboards tracking output versus plan, throughput, first-pass yield, defects and rework, cycle time, downtime, labor efficiency, training completion, and cross-training coverage.
- Analyze production capacity, staffing, and improvement impact using takt time, labor content, workstation capacity, skills readiness, and before-and-after performance data to support production-ramp planning and sustain measurable gains.
Required qualifications:- Bachelors degree in Industrial or Systems Engineer, or Data Analytics; equivalent technical experience in avionics or aerospace production will be considered.
- 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or technical support role, preferably within aerospace, defense, UAS, or other complex hardware manufacturing environments.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:- Experience with data visualization tools, such as Power BI, Palantir, Tableau, Cognos, and/or Microsoft Access.
- Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, visual management, standard work, root-cause analysis, waste reduction, and flow optimization.
- Ability to translate technician feedback and production challenges into structured problem-solving activities.
- Experience operating, maintaining, and facilitating training programs and performance across large scale operations and organizations.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to train and influence technicians, supervisors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
$42 - $63 an hour
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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.
