Head of Construction, Manufacturing (R4389)

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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
The Head of Construction will lead the planning and execution of all manufacturing construction projects at Shield AI, including prototype facilities, production facilities, and critical supporting infrastructure. Reporting to the Director, Future Manufacturing Programs, you will own the full lifecycle of complex capital projects—from concept and programming through design, construction, commissioning, and handover to operations—ensuring facilities are delivered on time, on budget, and ready to support aggressive product ramp schedules. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of facilities, operations, and future aircraft programs. 

What you'll do::
Manage the portfolio of construction projects for Manufacturing & Aircraft Operations, including prototype development spaces, production facilities, integration labs, hangars, and test/support facilities.  Serve as the primary Operations lead for all construction projects, aligning facility scope, schedule, and phasing with aircraft program milestones and production ramp plans.  Lead end-to-end project delivery: requirements definition, programming, conceptual design, design development, permitting, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational handover.  Build, lead, and develop a high-performing construction and project management team capable of delivering multiple concurrent projects across locations.  Select, direct, and hold accountable external partners (architects/engineers, owner’s reps, construction managers, general contractors, and specialty consultants) to Shield AI standards for speed, quality, and cost.  Develop and maintain Shield AI’s facility and construction standards for manufacturing and aircraft operations, including layouts, utilities, EHS, security, and operational readiness requirements.  Partner closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Customer Operations, EHS, Security and others to ensure seamless integration of facility capabilities with manufacturing systems and operational needs.  Own construction project controls: schedules, budgets, forecasts, risk registers, change management, and executive reporting.  Drive value engineering and creative phasing strategies that enable rapid startup, expansion flexibility, and capital efficiency while maintaining safety and quality.  Ensure compliance with all applicable building codes, environmental regulations, safety standards, and security/defense requirements.  Champion a culture of field presence, issue ownership, and bias for action—frequently engaging on-site to unblock problems and maintain momentum.  Prepare and present clear updates, options, and recommendations to executive leadership on major capital projects and facility strategy.  Support long-range master planning for current and future manufacturing and aircraft operations sites, including brownfield expansions and greenfield developments. 

Required qualifications::
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.  5+ years of experience delivering complex capital projects in manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, semiconductor, or other high-tech/industrial environments.  Proven track record acting as the owner’s representative, leading projects from concept through occupancy under aggressive schedules.  Strong command of project controls (scheduling, estimating, cost control, risk management) and proficiency with modern project management tools.  Deep understanding of industrial facility requirements (process utilities, material flow, equipment installation, safety, and maintainability).  Willingness to travel regularly to construction and operations sites as required. 

Preferred qualifications::
Experience in aerospace, defense, or aviation facilities (hangars, flight test, MRO, assembly/integration, or production).  Background supporting manufacturing ramp or new product introduction (NPI) through facility design and construction.  Experience with greenfield site development and/or large-scale brownfield redevelopments.  Familiarity with secure or regulated facilities (e.g., ITAR, classified, or other controlled environments).  Professional certifications such as PE, RA, PMP, CCM, or LEED AP.  Experience in a startup or high-growth company where speed, adaptability, and hands-on leadership are critical. 

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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.