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.
Skills Required
- 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 acceptable)
- 3D CAD modeling tool experience such as NX or CATIA
- Knowledge of GD&T best practices and tolerance stack-ups
- Familiarity with 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
- Demonstrated strong work ethic, trustworthiness, high standards, and interpersonal kindness
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
-
Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
-
Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
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.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
