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.

160000 - 250000 USD a year