Program Planning Engineering Intern - 2026 Summer Intern (R4106) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
InternshipExperience Level
InternshipJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, Defense, Deep TechIndustries

Requirements

  • Facility planning fundamentals: material flow mapping, basic layout trade-offs
  • Capacity modeling in spreadsheets: pivots, scenario analysis, goal seek, clear metric definitions & assumptions
  • Risk management basics: building/maintaining a risk & long-lead register with triggers, owners, and mitigations
  • Stakeholder interviewing & synthesis

Responsibilities

  • Consolidate inputs across MFG, Test, EHS, Quality, and Supply Chain
  • Map material flow and adjacencies
  • Draft good/better/best layout options with clear assumptions
  • Create a lightweight capacity model tied to headcount/shift scenarios
  • Stand up a risk & long-lead tracker (permits, utilities, critical equipment)
  • Create a simple readiness dashboard (e.g., layout option maturity, long-lead exposure, decision latency)
  • Produce a concise Gate Pre-Read (charter, options, risks, metrics, and recommended decisions)
  • Deliver intermediate milestones: Wk2—Discovery & Charter v0.5; Wk4—Material-flow map + “good/better/best” layout options v0.5; Wk6—Capacity+takt model v0.8 + risk/long-lead tracker v0.8 + readiness dashboard prototype; Wk8—Integrated v0.9 set after pilot feedback
  • Deliver final (Wk10): Facility Design Readiness Packet & Gate Pre-Read (slides + appendix) including Charter v1.0, three annotated layout options with assumptions/tradeoffs, capacity model with 2–3 demand/shift scenarios, risk & long-lead register with owners/dates, readiness dashboard v1.0, and a handoff README/backlog

Skills

Facility Design
Manufacturing Planning
Material Flow Mapping
Layout Design
Capacity Modeling
Risk Tracking
Supply Chain Coordination
EHS
Quality Assurance
Dashboard Creation

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$772.8MTotal Funding
DEBTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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