Harness Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

The Harness Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting the production of electrical harnesses and cable assemblies for high-reliability aerospace, defence, and advanced technology systems. This role ensures harnesses are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet stringent quality and performance requirements while continuously improving production efficiency, repeatability, and product reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Develop and maintain harness assembly processes, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation, including routers, travelers, and assembly drawings.
• Support design-to-production transitions by reviewing harness schematics, layouts, and technical documentation for manufacturability and reliability.
• Define and select tooling, equipment, materials, and manufacturing methods required for harness production.
• Drive improvements in harness routing, termination, installation, and assembly practices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure design solutions align with manufacturing capabilities and production objectives.

Production Support

• Provide hands-on manufacturing support during harness assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Establish and optimize assembly sequences, fixtures, and jigs to ensure consistent, repeatable, and high-quality production.
• Investigate manufacturing issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support production readiness reviews and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Testing & Quality Assurance

• Develop and implement electrical continuity, insulation resistance, and functional test procedures using automated harness test equipment.
• Ensure all assemblies comply with applicable workmanship, quality, and industry standards.
• Review and approve First Article Inspections (FAIs) and support quality audits and compliance activities.
• Work closely with quality teams to ensure product conformity and traceability requirements are maintained.

Process Improvement & Configuration Management

• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on increasing production efficiency, reducing cost, and improving product quality.
• Maintain configuration control of harness designs, tooling, manufacturing processes, and production documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations teams to support efficient production flow and issue resolution.
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent industry experience may also be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in harness, cable assembly, or electro-mechanical manufacturing within aerospace, defence, transportation, industrial, or other high-reliability industries.
• Strong understanding of harness design principles, electrical schematics, technical drawings, and 3D CAD systems such as CATIA, Creo, or SolidWorks.
• Familiarity with industry workmanship and quality standards applicable to harness manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with crimping, soldering, wire preparation, cable routing, connector assembly, and electrical integration activities.
• Experience utilizing automated harness testing equipment and electrical verification systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, quality-driven manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting complex aerospace, defence, transportation, or other high-reliability hardware programs.
• Knowledge of harness design, routing, and integration within 3D design environments.
• Understanding of electrical interconnect materials, including wires, connectors, shielding solutions, backshells, sleeving, and protective materials.
• Experience supporting products through development, qualification, and production phases.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.