Head of Aircraft Production

Seattle, WA | $232,000–$349,000/year

Position Overview

Shield AI is seeking a hands-on manufacturing leader to oversee the development and launch of its X-BAT aircraft production operation in the Seattle area. This individual will lead the transition from early-stage prototype builds through production launch and into full-rate manufacturing.

The Head of Aircraft Production will be responsible for establishing and building out the new X-Forge 3 manufacturing facility, developing the production team, implementing manufacturing processes, and ensuring the operation is ready to scale. This leader will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to establish a safe, efficient, and repeatable aircraft production operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype & Production Launch: Lead X-BAT prototype and development builds, oversee aircraft assembly and integration, resolve build issues, and transition lessons learned into repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Factory Development: Oversee manufacturing setup and operational readiness of the new Seattle facility, including factory layout, equipment installation, tooling, production flow, and workforce planning.
• Team Building & Leadership: Recruit, develop, and lead the production organization, including frontline supervisors and skilled aircraft assembly personnel. Establish staffing, training, and capacity plans to support growth.
• Production Operations: Own day-to-day manufacturing performance, ensuring production meets safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives as the aircraft moves into sustained production.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement Lean manufacturing practices, improve production throughput and labor efficiency, reduce defects, and establish processes for identifying and resolving manufacturing issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to coordinate materials, resolve production challenges, maintain aircraft configuration and traceability, and ensure production readiness.
• Manufacturing Systems: Establish production operating procedures, performance metrics, visual management systems, and digital manufacturing tools to improve efficiency, accountability, and scalability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing, including at least 5 years leading production teams.
• Experience leading prototype builds, new product introductions (NPI), and transitioning products into sustained production.
• Proven ability to establish and scale manufacturing operations, including building teams, workforce planning, and production systems.
• Experience overseeing complex assembly and integration operations with strict quality, configuration, and traceability requirements.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, tooling validation, material coordination, and production launches.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost through Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and balance priorities across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience taking a new aircraft or aerospace program from prototype through full-rate production.
• Experience launching a new manufacturing facility or transferring production between sites.
• Background in aircraft final assembly, systems integration, and production testing.
• Familiarity with AS9100, aerospace quality standards, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Experience managing outsourced manufacturing partners and complex supplier networks.
• Advanced degree or additional training in manufacturing leadership, program management, or production launch.