Lead Prototype Technician (R

This role is the technical cornerstone of the Prototype Manufacturing team at Shield AI, responsible for building first-of-kind autonomous aircraft from engineering concept to flight-ready hardware. The Lead Prototype Technician will perform advanced structural assembly and composite manufacturing, interpret engineering drawings, and provide Design for Manufacturability feedback to engineering. They will also develop manufacturing processes, mentor other technicians, and support engineering validation and flight test campaigns, ensuring prototype builds are successful today and scalable for tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware.
• Perform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.
• Execute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly.
• Perform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Partner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
• Develop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods.
• Support engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns.
• Fabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.
• Mentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.

Requirements

• 10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.
• Extensive aircraft structural assembly experience.
• Advanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.
• Experience with engineering development builds.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice to have

• Military aircraft, UAV, eVTOL, or rotorcraft experience.
• Prototype-to-production transition experience.
• AS9100 experience.
• A&P License or equivalent.
• Military aviation maintenance experience.
• Leadership or mentoring experience.

Benefits

• Shield AI offers competitive compensation, equity participation, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k), generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on some of the world's most advanced autonomous aircraft systems.
• Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
• Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)