Introduction to Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.
Job Description:
The Wire Harness Manufacturing Technician Shield AI is responsible for the precision assembly, inspection, and testing of complex wire harnesses used in aircraft and aerospace systems. This role requires adherence to stringent quality standards, detailed technical specifications, and industry regulations (such as IPC/WHMA-A-620 and AS9100). The technician will contribute to building high-reliability products that meet the safety and performance requirements of aerospace applications.
What you'll do:
- Read and interpret aerospace schematics, technical drawings, and detailed work instructions.
- Measure, cut, strip, crimp, and terminate wires and cables to precise tolerances using specialized tools and equipment.
- Assemble wire harnesses, connectors, backshells, and shielding components per aerospace industry standards.
- Route wires carefully to meet form board layouts, bend radii, and environmental specifications.
- Perform visual inspections, continuity testing, and high-voltage insulation resistance testing to verify conformance to aerospace standards.
- Ensure all work adheres to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3, AS9100, and other aerospace quality requirements.
- Identify and repair defects, ensuring zero tolerance for errors that could impact safety or reliability.
- Maintain traceability of all components, wires, and work performed.
- Accurately complete production records, test logs, and quality assurance reports.
- Maintain detailed documentation for traceability and compliance with aerospace industry standards.
- Work closely with engineers, quality control, and production teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
- Provide feedback for process improvements and ensure compliance with lean manufacturing principles.
- Follow all safety regulations, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) prevention, PPE requirements, and cleanroom protocols where applicable.
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace in line with aerospace safety standards.
Wire Harness Assembly
Quality and Compliance
Documentation and Reporting
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Adherence to Safety Protocols
Required qualificiations:
- Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting aerospace schematics, blueprints, and work instructions.
- Experience in wire harness assembly, including crimping, soldering, and connector assembly.
- Familiarity with aerospace-specific components such as MIL-SPEC connectors, backshells, braiding, and shielding.
- Experience with quality standards like IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3, AS9100, and MIL-STD requirements.
- Ability to work with tight tolerances and ensure 100% quality in all wire harness assemblies.
- Strong problem-solving skills for identifying and addressing manufacturing defects.
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification (Class 3) required or willingness to obtain.
- Certification in soldering to J-STD-001 standards preferred.
- Ability to work with small components, perform repetitive tasks, and sit or stand for extended periods.
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 2+ years of experience in wire harness assembly, preferably in aerospace, aviation, or defense industries.
Technical Skills:
Attention to Detail and Precision:
Certifications:
Physical Requirements:
Education and Experience:
Preferred qualifications:
- Certification in soldering to J-STD-001 standards preferred.
Certifications:
#LI-JM1
#LB
Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International based positions (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.
What We Do
Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Our Hivemind autonomy stack is the first and only autonomous AI Pilot, deployed in combat since 2018. Hivemind enables intelligent teams of aircraft to perform missions ranging from room clearance, to penetrating air defense systems, and dogfighting F-16s.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.