3D Harness Engineer

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on d ynamic space operations . We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to creat e the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future.

We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What

You’ll Do

• Own spacecraft harness design and 3D routing of spacecraft harness, translating electrical schematics and interconnect requirements into harness routing through integration and test.
• Develop detailed 3D harness routing models in Solid Works, including cables, wires, connectors, backshells, clamps, and other harness hardware, and maintain the associated routing libraries within a PDM-managed environment.
• Create parametric 3D models of harness and interconnect components, including connectors, backshells, clamps, brackets, and other hardware. Develop accurate models from drawings, specifications, or physical hardware when existing CAD models are not available.
• Develop wire lists, connector pin maps, drawings, and harness specifications while maintaining traceability between electrical design intent, 3D routing, and manufacturing documentation.
• Define harness architectures that meet electrical and environmental requirements, including current capacity, voltage drop, grounding, bonding, shielding, EMI/EMC, thermal effects, radiation exposure, and space charging considerations.
• Work across electrical and mechanical teams to trade routing configurations and deliver reliable, testable, and cost-effective interconnect systems. Support qualification, acceptance testing, vehicle integration, troubleshooting, and design iteration.

What We’re Looking For Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years of professional experience with 3D CAD harness routing and hands-on CAD library management.
• Expert-level proficiency with Solid Works, including 3D Routing, parametric part and assembly modeling, drawing detailing, and Solid Works PDM Professional.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical harness design principles, including wire and cable selection, connectorization, pin mapping, grounding, shielding, voltage drop, controlled impedance, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Experience developing complex interconnect systems and translating wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical requirements into complete 3D designs and manufacturing documentation.

Your Ideal Background Preferred

• Experience designing harnesses for spacecraft, aircraft, robotics, or similarly complex aerospace or electromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable harness workmanship and design standards.
• Experience with Solid Works Electrical Schematic and bidirectional electrical-to-mechanical design workflows.
• Strong understanding of electrical failure modes and mitigation techniques, including interference,…