3+ years of experience in wire harness/cable assembly in aerospace or defense environments
High school diploma or equivalent
Familiarity with MIL-SPEC components and aerospace wiring practices
Proficient in crimping, soldering, and wire termination
Skilled in using continuity testing equipment
Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and engineering drawings
Responsibilities
Fabricate, route, and terminate complex wire harnesses based on engineering drawings
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams with minimal supervision
Perform advanced crimping, soldering, and potting techniques
Conduct inspections and functional tests to ensure compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards
Troubleshoot electrical issues and continuity faults across hardware
Lead harness integration on testbeds and electromechanical assemblies
Collaborate with engineers on design feedback and process improvements
Mentor junior technicians on best practices and quality standards
Benefits
Join a team of top engineers focused on planetary exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office setup reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend and complimentary snacks on-site
Monthly social hour with food and drinks
Full Job Description
Sr. Harness Technician
Department: Production & Test
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Clint Ross
Compensation: $40.00 - $50.00 / hour
Description
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Harness Technicianwith demonstrated expertise in wire harness fabrication, integration, and testing in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards. The ideal candidate has a strong background in aerospace-grade harness builds, familiarity with system-level routing, and can provide technical guidance to junior team members. This person will report to the Director of Production and Test.
What you'll do:
Fabricate, route, and terminate complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies based on engineering drawings and IPC-620 standards
Read and interpret detailed blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and build documentation with minimal supervision
Perform advanced crimping, soldering (solder cup/Nano-D), splicing, and potting techniques; apply shielding, braiding, and overmolding when required
Conduct detailed inspections and functional tests, ensuring compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 workmanship standards
Troubleshoot electrical issues, continuity faults, and connector mismatches across prototype and flight hardware
Lead or assist with harness integration on testbeds, vehicles, and electromechanical assemblies
Collaborate with engineers and production teams on design feedback and continuous process improvements
Create or review work instructions, inspection criteria, and harness routing documentation
Mentor junior technicians on best practices, tool usage, and quality standards
Maintain strict adherence to ESD protocols, safety procedures, and cleanliness requirements in a fast-paced R&D environment
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
3+ years of experience in wire harness/cable assembly in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience working with MIL-SPEC components and aerospace wiring practices
Experience with crimping, soldering, and wire termination
Experience using continuity testing equipment
Experience reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and work instructions
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using automated crimping equipment and hipot testers
Experience with high-reliability termination techniques
Experience working in prototype or low-volume production environments
Experience troubleshooting complex electrical assemblies with minimal supervision
Certification in IPC/WHMA-A-620
Experience collaborating with engineering and quality teams to resolve manufacturing issues
Experience with redlined drawings, engineering change orders (ECOs), and controlled documentation
Technical trade school certificate or associates degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or related field
J-STD-001 certification
Experience with NASA-STD-8739.x
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
Standing, bending, and working with small components for extended periods
Benefits and Perks
Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
