{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"9be97d7a8d26e490b9f3bb06","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/9be97d7a8d26e490b9f3bb06","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/9be97d7a8d26e490b9f3bb06","title":"Lead Prototype Technician","description":"Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5)At Shield AI, Prototype Manufacturing is where engineering becomes reality. Our team builds the first aircraft, develops the manufacturing processes, solves complex technical challenges, and establishes the manufacturing foundation that enables scalable production. Every prototype directly influences the future of our products and the capabilities delivered to our customers.\r\nWe are seeking an experienced Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5) to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team. This is not a traditional aerospace technician role. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve challenging technical problems, influence product design through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and help define how our products transition from prototype to production.\r\nAs a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype Manufacturing by transforming engineering intent into flight-ready hardware while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure our prototype builds are successful today and scalable for tomorrow.\r\nWhat you'll do:\r\nBuild prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware.\r\nPerform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.\r\nExecute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly.\r\nPerform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.\r\nInterpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.\r\nPartner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.\r\nDevelop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods.\r\nSupport engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns.\r\nFabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.\r\nMentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.\r\nKey responsibilities:\r\nPrototype Manufacturing Excellence\r\nDesign for Manufacturability (DFM)\r\nManufacturing Process Development\r\nCross Functional Leadership\r\nTechnical Leadership\r\nWhat success looks like:\r\nDeliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality.\r\nSolve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues.\r\nInfluence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise.\r\nDevelop repeatable manufacturing processes.\r\nMentor technicians and elevate team capability.\r\nRequired qualifications:\r\n10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.\r\nExtensive aircraft structural assembly experience.\r\nAdvanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.\r\nExperience with engineering development builds.\r\nAbility to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.\r\nStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.\r\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.\r\nPreferred qualifications:\r\nMilitary aircraft, UAV, eVTOL, or rotorcraft experience.\r\nPrototype-to-production transition experience.\r\nAS9100 experience.\r\nA&P License or equivalent.\r\nMilitary aviation maintenance experience.\r\nLeadership or mentoring experience.\r\nWhy join Shield AI:\r\nUnlike traditional aerospace manufacturing, our Prototype Manufacturing team works directly alongside Engineering to create the next generation of autonomous aircraft. You'll influence design decisions, define manufacturing processes, mentor other technicians, and build technology that protects those who serve.\r\nShield 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.\r\n$43 - $64 an hour\r\nFull-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity\r\nTemporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)\r\nSalary 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.\r\nShield 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.","company":"Shield AI","rawCompany":"shield ai","city":"Dallas","state":"TX","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-08-07T01:40:43.215Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-3027.00","title":"Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians","slug":"mechanical-engineering-technologists-and-technicians"},{"code":"17-3021.00","title":"Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians","slug":"aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technologists-and-technicians"}],"industries":[{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"},{"code":"336413","title":"Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Lead Prototype Technician","description":"Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5)At Shield AI, Prototype Manufacturing is where engineering becomes reality. Our team builds the first aircraft, develops the manufacturing processes, solves complex technical challenges, and establishes the manufacturing foundation that enables scalable production. Every prototype directly influences the future of our products and the capabilities delivered to our customers.\r\nWe are seeking an experienced Lead Prototype Technician (Level 5) to join our Prototype & New Product Launch team. This is not a traditional aerospace technician role. You will build first-of-kind autonomous aircraft, develop manufacturing processes, solve challenging technical problems, influence product design through Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and help define how our products transition from prototype to production.\r\nAs a Lead Prototype Technician, you will serve as the technical cornerstone of Prototype Manufacturing by transforming engineering intent into flight-ready hardware while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure our prototype builds are successful today and scalable for tomorrow.\r\nWhat you'll do:\r\nBuild prototype, developmental, and first article aircraft from engineering concept through flight-ready hardware.\r\nPerform precision drilling, reaming, countersinking, riveting, fastening, torqueing, safety wiring, structural assembly, and mechanical integration.\r\nExecute advanced composite manufacturing including wet layup, bonding, trimming, machining, vacuum bagging, structural repairs, finishing, and final assembly.\r\nPerform complex aircraft modifications and structural repairs.\r\nInterpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.\r\nPartner with Design Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.\r\nDevelop and improve manufacturing work instructions, build sequences, tooling concepts, fixtures, and standardized assembly methods.\r\nSupport engineering validation, qualification builds, and flight test campaigns.\r\nFabricate custom brackets, tooling, fixtures, and prototype hardware.\r\nMentor Prototype Technicians while establishing best practices and craftsmanship standards.\r\nKey responsibilities:\r\nPrototype Manufacturing Excellence\r\nDesign for Manufacturability (DFM)\r\nManufacturing Process Development\r\nCross Functional Leadership\r\nTechnical Leadership\r\nWhat success looks like:\r\nDeliver complex prototype hardware with exceptional quality.\r\nSolve manufacturing challenges before they become production issues.\r\nInfluence engineering through practical manufacturing expertise.\r\nDevelop repeatable manufacturing processes.\r\nMentor technicians and elevate team capability.\r\nRequired qualifications:\r\n10+ years of aerospace manufacturing or prototype experience.\r\nExtensive aircraft structural assembly experience.\r\nAdvanced composites experience including wet layup and structural repair.\r\nExperience with engineering development builds.\r\nAbility to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.\r\nStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.\r\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.\r\nPreferred qualifications:\r\nMilitary aircraft, UAV, eVTOL, or rotorcraft experience.\r\nPrototype-to-production transition experience.\r\nAS9100 experience.\r\nA&P License or equivalent.\r\nMilitary aviation maintenance experience.\r\nLeadership or mentoring experience.\r\nWhy join Shield AI:\r\nUnlike traditional aerospace manufacturing, our Prototype Manufacturing team works directly alongside Engineering to create the next generation of autonomous aircraft. You'll influence design decisions, define manufacturing processes, mentor other technicians, and build technology that protects those who serve.\r\nShield 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.\r\n$43 - $64 an hour\r\nFull-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity\r\nTemporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)\r\nSalary 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.\r\nShield 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.","datePosted":"2026-08-07T01:40:43.215Z","dateModified":"2026-08-07T01:40:43.215Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Shield AI","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Dallas","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"9be97d7a8d26e490b9f3bb06"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/9be97d7a8d26e490b9f3bb06"}}