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

What you'll do:

Development Program Materials Planning  

• Own the materials planning, production control, inventory, warehousing, and logistics strategy. 

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

• Define and monitor key performance indicators for schedule attainment, material availability, shortage reduction, inventory health, work-order execution, and planning accuracy. 

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

• Oversee the development and execution of material recovery plans. 

• 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.   

• Support executive-level program and operations reviews by clearly communicating material status, risks, business impacts, and required decisions. 

Greenfield Facility Build & Operational Readiness  

• 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.   

Team Leadership  

• 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.   

Required qualifications:

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

• 7+ years of experience in materials planning, 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.   

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance 

Preferred qualifications:

• 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.   

Why Shield AI:

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.