Manager, Materials Planning & Logistics – Development Programs (R5252)

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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.

Shield AI is seeking a highly driven Materials Planning & Logistics Manager to lead supply planning, material readiness, inventory strategy, and execution for next-generation autonomous aircraft development programs and a new greenfield manufacturing facility. This role is critical in establishing the material flow, planning processes, warehouse operations, and logistics infrastructure required to successfully transition advanced products from development into scalable 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 to ensure material availability supports aggressive development schedules and facility ramp objectives.

Lead material planning activities for development programs.

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

Manage the release of work to the production floor and KPIs to monitor performance.

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

Create and manage recovery schedules.

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.

Develop and implement scalable processes that support future production growth.

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.

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.

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

5+ years of experience in materials planning, production control, logistics, 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.

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.

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.