Design wire harnesses and cable assemblies for an autonomous UAV and supporting ground equipment. Collaborate with electrical, avionics, systems, supply chain, and manufacturing teams on connector selection, electrical requirements, shielding, analysis, prototyping, testing, and integration. Lead technicians in harness fabrication, testing, and debugging while ensuring reliability in mission-critical environments.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is on a mission to build the world’s best aircraft—and we’re looking for a Harness Design Engineer to help power that vision. In this high-impact, high-ownership role, you’ll be designing complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies that are the nervous system of X-BAT, our next-generation autonomous UAV platform.
Your expertise in harness design won’t just support the mission—it will enable it. From concept to deployment, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring reliability, precision, and performance in the field, where failure is not an option.
If you’re passionate about cutting-edge aerospace technology and want to build systems that make a real-world difference, this is your chance to make your mark—on the ground and in the skies.
What you'll do:
- Design wire harnesses and cable assemblies for X-BAT and supporting ground equipment
- Collaborate with electrical engineering to define connector selection, current/voltage requirements, shielding, and other design aspects
- Perform electrical, mechanical, and environmental analysis for harness reliability
- Prototype and test harnesses in dynamic, mission-critical environments
- Collaborate with avionics, systems, supply chain, and manufacturing teams for integration
- Lead technicians in building, testing, and debugging various parts of the EWIS system
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering
- 0-2 years working with wire harness designs for automotive, aerospace, or robotics. Professional, personal, or club experience is acceptable
- 3D CAD modeling tool experience, such as NX or CATIA
- Knowledge of GD&T best practices, tolerance stack-ups, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards
- Experience with electrical schematics and connector selection
- Hands-on experience with harness fabrication or testing
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
#LI-JM2
#LA
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Fabricate, instrument, assemble, and mechanically test aerospace structures and prototype hardware. Install strain gauges, thermocouples, sensors, cabling, and data acquisition systems; perform static and dynamic load testing; document results and anomalies; fabricate fixtures and brackets; support repairs, prototyping, inventory, safety, and improvements to testing and fabrication workflows.
Top Skills:
3D PrintingCadCnc MachiningData Acquisition SystemsManual MachiningMechanical Test SystemsMil-Std TestingSensor WiringStrain GaugesThermocouples
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Own the architecture, kinematic design, structural analysis, CAD lifecycle, sourcing, testing, and vehicle integration of UAV landing gear systems. Perform hand calculations and FEA, select components, manage suppliers, define qualification tests, support prototype builds and flight testing, investigate anomalies, and deliver flight-ready hardware in a rapid development environment.
Top Skills:
As6053CadCatiaCreoFinite Element Analysis (Fea)Gd&TMil-A-8866Mil-A-8867Mil-Std-810PlmRtca Do-160Siemens Nx
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Leads the global supplier quality function for aerospace and defense hardware. Responsibilities include managing supplier qualification, audits, performance, corrective actions, risk assessments, source inspections, nonconformance resolution, and supplier recovery. The role develops quality leaders, allocates team resources, ensures regulatory and contractual compliance, and partners with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program teams to improve supplier capability, product quality, delivery, and resilience.
Top Skills:
5 Whys8DAs9100As9102DfarsEarErp/Mrp SystemsFishbone AnalysisIso 9001ItarExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerpointMicrosoft WordPpapSix Sigma
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
