# Lead Prototype Technician

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $89k – $133k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** aircraft structural assembly, advanced composites, wet layup, structural repair, GD&T, CAD, manufacturing process development, design for manufacturability, engineering drawings, tooling, fixtures, as9100, aircraft modifications, mechanical integration, safety wiring
**Posted:** 2026-08-03

> Leads prototype manufacturing for autonomous aircraft, building flight-ready hardware, developing scalable processes, and providing DFM feedback. Requires 10+ years of aerospace or prototype experience, advanced composites and structural assembly expertise, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

### Prototype Manufacturing
- 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.

### Leadership and Process Development
- Drive prototype manufacturing excellence, manufacturing process development, and cross-functional leadership.
- Mentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.
- Deliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality.
- Solve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues.
- Influence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise.
- Develop repeatable manufacturing processes and elevate team capability.

## 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-Haves
- 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.

## Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive compensation.
- Equity participation.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 401(k).
- Generous paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities.

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