Head of Operational Excellence

Job Description 

The Head of Operational Excellence will lead operational excellence across Shield AI’s Group 3 UAV manufacturing in Frisco, TX (V-BAT) and Group 5 UAV manufacturing in Seattle, WA (X-BAT). Based in Frisco, this leader will create, deploy, and actively manage manufacturing KPIs and performance systems across both sites, embedding operating rhythms that improve accountability, visibility, and results. 
 
You will be responsible for instilling a culture of execution excellence, embedding structured problem-solving practices, and delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and productivity. This includes leading the development and governance of operational standards—such as visual management, 5S, and root cause analysis—while owning the manufacturing budget cycle, business rhythm, and executive reporting interface across both locations. This role partners with engineering, production, quality, and business functions to execute high-priority improvement initiatives, support V-BAT production, and establish operational excellence as X-BAT progresses through prototype and into rate production. 

Do you have the expertise and leadership to embed excellence into the fabric of autonomous defense manufacturing?