Lead architecture, design, and development of precision wire harnesses and cable assemblies for autonomous UAVs. Own 3D CAD routing, analysis, prototypes, and testing. Perform electrical and environmental reliability analysis, integrate with avionics/systems/manufacturing, and mentor engineers to establish harness design best practices.
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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 seeking a Staff Harness Design Engineer with deep expertise in harness design to support the development of our next-generation autonomous UAV platform. In this high-ownership role, you will lead the architecture, design, and development of precision wire harnesses and cable assemblies that are critical to mission success.
What you'll do:
- Lead design of wire harnesses and cable assemblies for autonomous UAVs
- Own harness design process: concept, 3D CAD routing, analysis, and drawing release
- Perform electrical and environmental analysis for harness reliability
- Prototype and test harnesses in dynamic, mission-critical environments
- Collaborate with avionics, systems, and manufacturing teams for integration
- Mentor engineers and drive harness design best practices
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering
- 8+ years in wire harness design for aerospace or robotics
- Strong CAD skills (NX or CATIA preferred) for 3D harness modeling
- Experience using EWIS design software (Zuken, Capital, etc)
- Expertise in GD&T, 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 and lead 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.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience designing harnesses for UAVs, aircraft, or spacecraft
- Familiarity with EWIS compliance and RTCA DO-160 testing
- Proficiency in failure mode analysis (FMEA) and root cause investigations
- Knowledge of Teamcenter or similar PLM systems
#LI-MS2
#LD
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
Lead system-level verification and validation of aircraft software by designing realistic mission test scenarios, managing V&V events to verify flight readiness, writing Python test analyzers, producing coverage and release-readiness reports, and improving simulation and fault-injection capabilities.
Top Skills:
C++Hardware EmulationPythonSimulation SoftwareTest Automation Frameworks
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead and contribute to design, analysis, and integration of launch/recovery mechanical systems from concept through production. Establish engineering standards, perform FMEA and reliability modeling, support testing and field operations, and manage a team of mechanical engineers while coordinating cross-functionally to ensure buildable, testable, and reliable designs.
Top Skills:
3D CadAbaqusAnsysAsmeAsme Y14.5AstmCadDfmFaaFatigue AnalysisFault Tree AnalysisFeaFmeaGd&TIsoMil-StdNastranNxThermal AnalysisTolerance Stack-Up
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead supplier development strategy and quality governance for mechanical hardware suppliers. Drive supplier capability, NPI readiness, root-cause investigations, performance monitoring, and cross-functional initiatives to improve cost, lead time, quality, and scalability.
Top Skills:
CatiaCompositesDfmFaiGd&TInjection MoldingPpapPrecision Mechanical FabricationSolidworks
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
