Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U. S. , Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit https://shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

Join Shield AI’s fast-paced manufacturing team and play a hands-on role in building the next generation of advanced autonomous aircraft through an immersive and impactful co-op experience. This role supports the development of manufacturing tooling and production layouts by translating product GD&T and key characteristics into practical fixture and tool requirements. The role includes creating CAD designs for jigs, fixtures, gauges, and handling equipment, performing basic FEA or hand calculations, and contributing to complete Tool Design Packages with models, drawings, and BOMs. Co-ops will collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, and launch teams to participate in design reviews, support fabrication and shop-floor prove-outs, and assist with documentation such as setup guides and maintenance plans. Additional responsibilities include helping with First Article verification, developing 2D layouts and 3D/VR walk-throughs, supporting line-balance and flow analyses, exploring material-presentation and packaging strategies, and contributing to installation activities through tape-outs, rack placement, and time-study validation.

Project Goals & Deliverables:

• Tooling and Layout Optimization for Production Launch
• Translate part GD&T and key characteristics into robust fixture and tooling designs.
• Develop tooling and layout documentation that ensures ergonomic, efficient, and high-quality production processes.
• Validate designs through FEA, design reviews, and shop floor trials.
• Author a “Layout & Flow Playbook” for installation and launch readiness.
• Tool Design Packages (3D CAD models, 2D drawings with GD&T, BOM, and torque/material specs)
• Tool Setup & Care Instructions and Preventive Maintenance Plan
• Layout & Flow Playbook including:
• -2D layouts and 3D/VR walkthroughs
• -Flow simulations and line-balance analysis
• -Kanban and buffer sizing calculations
• -Rack/tugger/supermarket specifications
• First Article Tooling Validation Report (fit checks, CMM data, operator feedback)

Required qualifications:

• CATIA/NX/SolidWorks, PLM (3DEXPERIENCE/Teamcenter), FEA Analysis, AutoCAD/Visio
• +Plant Simulation/FlexSim/AnyLogic or spreadsheet modeling, time‑study, 5S/visual standards
• +MES/QMS, torque analyzer, Minitab/Excel, 5S and audit experience

KPIs & Milestones:

• Tooling concept review complete: ≥2 concept designs reviewed and approved
• 3D CAD models & GD&T drawings complete: 100% model/drawing package ready for fabrication
• FEA & hand-calc validation complete: All critical tools meet stiffness/safety factor targets
• Tool prove-out & shop validation: ≤2 minor adjustments required post-trial
• New Layout simulation & flow validation: Throughput within ±10% of target
• Final Playbook & documentation handoff: 100% deliverables submitted and approved

$34 – $52 an hour

Rising Bachelor’s graduate = $34/hour

Rising Master’s graduate = $41/hour

Rising PhD graduate = $52/hour

Housing stipend provided, amount based on location

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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.