Job Description

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AIs products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Job Description:

The Avionics Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role in the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for aerospace electronics. This position focuses on improving efficiency, ensuring high-quality production standards, and solving complex challenges related to PCB manufacturing, board bring-up, and testing in a fast-paced startup environment. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, production, and quality, to streamline avionics manufacturing, troubleshoot board-level issues, reduce costs, and ensure timely delivery of high-reliability electronics. This role is critical to supporting the scaling of avionics production as the company grows.

What You'll Do:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for aerospace avionics and PCB assemblies.
• Identify areas for efficiency improvements and cost reductions in board manufacturing and testing.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to ensure manufacturability and testability of new avionics products.
• Troubleshoot and resolve board bring-up issues, component failures, and manufacturing defects to improve yield and reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance avionics production performance and support scalability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field, or relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on avionics, PCB assembly, and board testing in rapid-growth environments.
• Experience in scaling avionics production processes in a startup or high-growth setting.
• Strong understanding of PCB manufacturing, board bring-up, circuit testing, and troubleshooting electronic assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or IPC-A-610 for electronics manufacturing.
• Proficiency in PCB design and analysis tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad, or Mentor Graphics).
• Familiarity with advanced electronics manufacturing technologies, such as automated optical inspection (AOI), in-circuit testing (ICT), and X-ray inspection.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision-making in an electronics manufacturing context.
• Hands-on experience with board bring-up, test fixture design, and debugging electronic assemblies.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines in avionics production.

Salary: $86,688 - $187,200 a year

Equal Opportunity Employer: Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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