Senior Manager, Production Planning & Logistics – Development Programs (R5252)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a highly driven Sr. Manager Materials Planning & Logistics to lead supply planning, material readiness, production planning, and logistics execution for next-generation autonomous aircraft development programs and a new greenfield manufacturing facility. This leadership role is accountable for establishing the people, processes, systems, and infrastructure required to support rapid product development, new product introduction, and the transition to scalable rate production.

The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership with hands-on execution, thrives in fast-paced environments, and has experience building manufacturing and supply chain capabilities from the ground up. You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Procurement, and Operations teams. 

What you'll do:

Development Program Materials Planning 

• Own the materials planning, production control, inventory, warehousing, and logistics strategy.

• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and Procurement to develop and maintain accurate build plans that are aligned with program milestones.  

• Define and monitor key performance indicators for schedule attainment, material availability, shortage reduction, inventory health, work-order execution, and planning accuracy.

• Identify long-lead material risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect schedule.

• Oversee the development and execution of material recovery plans.

• Drive engineering change management processes to support rapid development and ECO implementation.  

• Develop planning models that support rapid prototyping, design iteration, and low-rate initial production activities.  

• Support executive-level program and operations reviews by clearly communicating material status, risks, business impacts, and required decisions.

Greenfield Facility Build & Operational Readiness 

• Lead planning and logistics readiness activities for a new manufacturing facility.  

• Design and implement warehouse, stockroom, and material flow processes from receiving through point-of-use consumption.  

• Establish inventory control procedures, material storage standards, and transaction discipline.  

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Facilities teams to optimize material movement and operational efficiency.  

Team Leadership 

• Create a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and mission execution.  

• Establish standard work and training programs.  

• Drive cross-functional collaboration to solve complex challenges.  

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field.  

• 7+ years of experience in materials planning, inventory management, or supply chain operations.  

• Experience supporting complex hardware development programs in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.  

• Demonstrated experience implementing or scaling material planning and inventory management processes.  

• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain planning methodologies.  

• Experience managing material readiness for new product introduction (NPI) and engineering development programs.  

• 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 supporting greenfield manufacturing facility launches or major facility expansions.  

• Aerospace, defense, unmanned systems, or advanced technology manufacturing experience.  

• Experience with Oracle, SAP, Costpoint, or similar ERP platforms.  

• APICS/ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.  

• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, DFARS, and government contracting requirements.  

• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or operational excellence experience.  

• Experience supporting production ramp and transition from development to rate manufacturing.  

Why Shield AI:

At Shield AI, you'll help build technology that matters. You'll work alongside world-class engineers, operators, and innovators solving some of the most challenging problems in autonomy and national security. This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundation of a rapidly growing aerospace and defense company while helping bring revolutionary autonomous systems into operational service.

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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.

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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.

*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.