Staff Engineer, Mechanical - Harness Design (r4594)

Shield AI Shield AI · Defense · Dallas, TX +2 · X-BAT Engineering - Mechanical

Staff Harness Design Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and development of precision wire harnesses and cable assemblies for Shield AI's next-generation autonomous UAV platform. This role involves concept, 3D CAD routing, analysis, prototyping, and testing of harnesses in mission-critical environments, with a focus on reliability and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead design of wire harnesses and cable assemblies for autonomous UAVs
  2. Own harness design process: concept, 3D CAD routing, analysis, and drawing release
  3. Perform electrical and environmental analysis for harness reliability
  4. Prototype and test harnesses in dynamic, mission-critical environments
  5. Collaborate with avionics, systems, and manufacturing teams for integration
  6. Mentor engineers and drive harness design best practices

Skills

Required

  • 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

Nice to have

  • 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

What the JD emphasized

  • deep expertise in harness design
  • high-ownership role
  • critical to mission success
  • 8+ years in wire harness design for aerospace or robotics
  • demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others