Shield AI · 12 hours ago
Head of Construction, Manufacturing (R4389)
Dallas, Texas
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $250K/yr
5+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Head of Construction will lead the planning and execution of all manufacturing construction projects, ensuring facilities are delivered on time and on budget to support aggressive product ramp schedules.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-11
Company data provided by crunchbase