DescriptionWORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $132,000 to $148,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
SUMMARY
Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a detail-oriented and skilled Senior Electrical Engineer, EWIS, with a specialization in wire harness design to support the development and integration of electrical systems across our uncrewed aircraft platforms. This role focuses on the design, documentation, and release of wire harnesses, ensuring performance, manufacturability, and compliance with system and regulatory requirements.
You'll work collaboratively with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers, supporting the entire product lifecycle from concept through production and sustainment. This is an ideal role for an engineer who enjoys balancing hands-on technical design with cross-functional communication and integration.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
- Design and develop complex wire harnesses, including signal, power, data, and RF lines for UAS systems.
- Generate and maintain wiring schematics, connector pinouts, and harness assembly drawings using CAD tools.
- Ensure compliance with electrical interface requirements, system power distribution, and EMI/EMC standards.
- Select appropriate connectors, cables, shielding methods, over moldings, and strain relief solutions.
- Collaborate with mechanical engineering to ensure routing and integration within airframe constraints.
- Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and support release of drawings into the product lifecycle system.
- Coordinate with manufacturing, test, and quality teams to ensure harness manufacturability, testability, and reliability.
- Assist in prototype harness assembly, and perform continuity, insulation resistance, and performance verification tests.
- Support troubleshooting and rework of harnesses during integration and flight testing.
- Ensure documentation is accurate and kept up to date throughout development and production cycles.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- The following are non-exhaustive qualifications for the position:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field is required.
- 5+ years in electrical design with a focus on wire harness development and integration.
- Proficiency in wire harness design and drafting tools, including Altium Designer (or comparable tools such as Zuken E3, SolidWorks Electrical, or AutoCAD Electrical).
- Familiarity with electrical standards, including MIL-STD, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and AS50881.
- Strong understanding of connector and wire selection, signal integrity, and routing constraints.
- Ability to interpret and generate schematics, harness drawings, and electrical interface documents.
- Experience supporting aerospace, UAS, automotive, or defense-related systems with complex interconnect requirements.
- Hands-on experience working with technicians and assemblers to build and debug harnesses.
- Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work across disciplines and manage multiple harness configurations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to support fast-paced development cycles.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using Altium Designer for harness and schematic generation.
- Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems for drawing control and release.
- Understanding of EMI shielding, grounding strategies, and RF signal handling.
- Prior work on UAS platforms, military aircraft, or robotics systems.
- Experience with cable/harness testing and diagnostic tools, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and continuity testers.
- Ability to mentor or support junior engineers or technicians.
- Adaptability to shifting program needs and hands-on problem-solving.
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS
- Matching 401(k)
- Paid PTO
- Paid holidays
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- HSA and FSA Options
- Critical Care Plan
- Accident Care Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person's status under the ITAR and the EAR.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
