Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer with Security Clearance
Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

For more information about Draper, visit  .

Job Description

Summary:

Draper is seeking an experienced Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer who will play a key role in the early stages of complex programs; developing rugged, high reliability interconnect solutions that enable mission critical systems to perform in the most demanding environments. This includes the design and development of wiring harnesses, cabling, and connector systems that support RF and other sensitive signals, as well as board-to-board and system level interconnects.

You'll join a highly collaborative mechanical design team that owns the full product lifecycle, from concept and trade studies through prototyping, testing, and final delivery. Your work will directly contribute to systems used in defense, space, and autonomous platforms where performance and reliability are non-negotiable. What You'll Bring

• A system level mindset, capable of balancing electrical, mechanical, and manufacturability considerations.

• A strong desire to own the design process, from initial concept to delivered hardware.

• Curiosity and creativity in solving complex interconnect challenges that have real-world national security impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop high reliability cable harnesses, interconnects, and connector assemblies for ruggedized systems and harsh environments (high-g, vibration, temperature extremes).

• Partner with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to define requirements and ensure design compatibility across disciplines.

• Apply knowledge of MIL-STD connectors, IPC Class 2 & 3 cable/connector standards, and relevant industry specifications.

• Perform trade studies, tolerance analyses, and material selection to optimize reliability and performance.

• Generate detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and documentation to support manufacturing and assembly.

• Collaborate with production teams and suppliers to validate designs, support builds, and resolve non-conformances.

• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts to advance interconnect design processes and tooling.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping, and testing with minimal guidance from group leader.

• Help define the design approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.

• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.

• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.

• Performs other duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities

• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.

• Team player able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline. Education
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Master's degree is preferred. Experience
Requires 3-5 years with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience. 0-3 years experience with a…