Interconnect supplier WireMasters has appointed Shane Pokrifka as Technical Business Development Manager for the US Southwest. The specialist will use his aerospace engineering and business development experience to support strategic customers across aerospace, defence, space, and emerging technology markets.
Pokrifka will work with OEMs, prime contractors, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across core markets for the Southwest. He will collaborate with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and program teams to help customers define requirements and identify the right interconnect solutions at the point where key program decisions are being made.
WireMasters supplies wire and cable, connectors, harness management, RF and fibre-optic products to aerospace, defence, and industrial customers. In these sectors, customers need support identifying solutions that meet exact specifications, align with programme schedules, and provide the quality assurance and traceability required for demanding applications.
Pokrifka joins from precision motion simulation system specialist Ideal Aerosmith, where he worked as Business Development Manager. Within six months, he had reached his first-year sales target and helped deliver a 110 percent increase in Test Lab sales revenue compared with the previous fiscal year.
“What stood out about Shane was the route he took into business development,” said Drew Love, CEO of WireMasters. “He has worked on demanding aerospace and defence programs as an engineer, so he understands the technical detail behind the conversations our customers are having.
‘He has also shown that he can use that knowledge commercially by building relationships and helping customers find the right solutions. This combination is critical for both WireMasters and the customers we support.”
Before moving into business development, Pokrifka held engineering roles at both Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman. A graduate in aerospace engineering, he spent this portion of his career on missile propulsion, hypersonics, and defence work. His engineering roles involved working closely with customers, suppliers, program managers, and cross-functional teams. He developed technical solutions, managed supplier relationships, supported flight testing activities and helped deliver complex aerospace and defence programs.
At WireMasters, Pokrifka will identify new program opportunities and support design-in activity, coordinate supplier expertise, and provide technical guidance across the company’s interconnect portfolio.
Pokrifka said: “I’ve always enjoyed working with customers on technical problems, whether that was in engineering or business development. WireMasters has a strong reputation for technical knowledge, customer support, and inventory availability, so this role felt like a great fit. I’m looking forward to working with customers across the Southwest, and helping them find practical interconnect solutions for their programs.”
The appointment strengthens WireMasters’ technical business development team as customers across aerospace, defence, and space increasingly look for support from early design and qualification through to production.
About WireMasters
WireMasters is a trusted global provider of high-performance interconnect solutions, specialising in Mil-Spec and EN wire and cable, connectors, harness management products and value-added services.
Serving aerospace, defense and industrial markets for over 35 years, WireMasters is known for its commitment to quality, reliability and exceptional customer service. With strategic locations across the U.S., UK, and Germany, the company supports mission-critical applications with a vast inventory, technical expertise and tailored solutions.
