Wiring Harness Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: San Carlos, California, United States; on-site

Salary: $100,000–$135,000 annually

Company

Building satellite infrastructure for orbital power generation, infrared laser energy transmission, and secure high-bandwidth optical data communications.

What you will do

• Own the architecture and technical roadmap for electrical and optical harnessing across spacecraft platforms.
• Create harness schematics, routing diagrams, 3D CAD models, flat patterns, manufacturing drawings, and engineering BOMs.
• Design and integrate cable harness assemblies within strict mass, volume, thermal, and mechanical constraints.
• Select space-rated connectors, wires, shielding materials, optical components, and other harness hardware.
• Define and lead electrical testing, prototype assembly, vibration and thermal-vacuum qualification, and flight-readiness validation.
• Collaborate with avionics, mechanical, and optical teams during manufacturing-floor integration and final spacecraft assembly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience designing and routing complex wire harness assemblies for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks and dedicated harness-routing modules.
• Experience creating manufacturing drawings, flat patterns, and engineering bills of materials.
• Hands-on experience building, prototyping, and troubleshooting wire harnesses or mechanical assemblies.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations under ITAR.

Nice to have

• 5+ years of experience with complex aerospace, defense, or high-reliability wire harness assemblies.
• Familiarity with Altium Designer, space-industry harness standards, EMI/EMC shielding, and aerospace grounding methods.
• Experience with spacecraft vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum testing.
• Experience designing fiber-optic harnesses and selecting space-rated optical connectors.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup with cross-functional technical teams.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity participation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, and 10 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave and relocation assistance if applicable.
• Daily office lunch and a stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.