Sr Manager, Aerostructures Design, X-BAT

Dallas, Texas / San Diego, CaliforniaX-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - Aerostructures /Full Time Employee /On-siteShield 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 . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Job Description:Shield AI was founded to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. We are building the world’s best AI pilot and the aircraft that enable autonomy at scale. Our technology operates in complex, contested environments where GPS and communications may be denied, degraded, or unavailable.The technology we build demands cross-functional teaming and collaborative execution to solve the hardest problems in autonomy, aerospace engineering, and robotics. Engineers at Shield AI do not work in silos — they work shoulder-to-shoulder across disciplines to rapidly move from concept to flight-ready systems deployed in the real world. X-BAT represents the next generation of autonomous airpower: a runway-independent, AI-piloted aircraft designed to execute missions in highly contested environments. Powered by Hivemind, Shield AI’s combat-proven autonomy stack, X-BAT combines long-range performance, survivability, and autonomous mission execution into a scalable operational platform. The Sr Manager of Aerostructures Design for X-BAT, role requires a technically elite aerospace leader who thrives in fast-moving environments, can build and scale high-performing engineering organizations, and is energized by solving complex problems that directly impact national security.What you'll do:Lead the aerostructures design organization for the X-BAT program.Drive development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures optimized for autonomous combat aircraft operationsPartner closely with flight sciences, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, autonomy, flight test, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated aircraft solutionsEstablish engineering processes, design standards, configuration management, and structural development roadmaps across the program lifecycleOversee development and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures, including primary load-bearing assembliesBuild and mentor a world-class aerostructures engineering team capable of rapid execution and technical excellenceSupport transition from development programs into scalable production environmentsDrive root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for structural, manufacturing, and flight-test findingsPresent technical reviews, program risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholdersRequired qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field12+ years of aerospace structural engineering experience, including leadership responsibility on advanced aircraft programsDeep expertise in aircraft primary structures, composites, metallic design, structural analysis, and integrationExperience leading teams through full aircraft development cycles from conceptual design through flight test and productionStrong understanding of aircraft loads, stress analysis, fatigue, durability, and structural substantiation methodologiesExperience collaborating across highly integrated aerospace development organizationsProven ability to recruit, develop, and scale high-performing engineering teamsExperience operating in fast-paced development environments with aggressive technical schedulesAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance Preferred qualifications:Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related disciplineExperience with autonomous aircraft, tactical aviation, unmanned systems, or defense aerospace platformsExpertise in composite airframe manufacturing and high-rate production methodologiesBackground supporting low observable, survivability, or expeditionary aircraft design considerationsFamiliarity with military airworthiness standards and defense acquisition environmentsExperience supporting prototype-to-production transitions in venture-backed or high-growth aerospace organizationsDirector, Aerostructures – X-BAT $190,000 - $280,000 a year#LI-KK1#LFFull-time regular employee offer package:Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + EquityTemporary 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.###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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.