Mechanical Engineer - Wire Harness

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer - Wire Harness

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer - Wire Harness develops and delivers wiring interconnect solutions for spacecraft components, instrumentation, and ground support equipment, integrating them into fully functional satellite systems. This role supports the full program lifecycle from concept through production, contributing to the development, design, test, and manufacture of satellite systems, components, and supporting hardware. Working as part of a highly skilled, multi-functional technical team, you will use cutting-edge tools and best practices to create state-of-the-art satellites in a people-first, customer-focused, and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

+ Design spacecraft wire harness and cable physical routing and support structures using CAD software, primarily PTC Creo.

+ Develop initial concepts of space-vehicle wire harness system layouts and ground support equipment based on program requirements and objectives, then mature these concepts into detailed designs.

+ Generate and maintain engineering and manufacturing documentation, including schematics, flat-pattern drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.

+ Document design and analysis data in technical reports, presentations, and manufacturing systems to ensure traceability and clear communication.

+ Support manufacturing and production teams by communicating design intent, resolving build issues, reviewing nonconformance reports, and implementing corrective actions.

+ Develop tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment needed to support integration and test activities for flight, prototype, and ground support hardware.

+ Apply sound engineering judgment to make informed decisions when data is incomplete, balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and schedule constraints.

+ Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver space vehicle designs, production plans, and test strategies that meet program cost, schedule, and quality goals.

+ Interact regularly with flight, prototype, and ground support hardware during design, integration, and test activities.

+ Use configuration management and PLM tools, such as Windchill, to manage CAD models, drawings, and product data throughout the lifecycle.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.

+ 5+ years of professional experience in a mechanical engineering role.

+ Experience using CAD software to develop wire harness models and manufacturing drawings.

+ Demonstrable experience maturing designs from initial concepts to detailed manufacturing drawings.

+ Working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 for wire harness and cable assembly requirements.

+ Hands-on experience with wire harness design, routing, and assembly in a mechanical engineering context.

+ Proficiency with PTC Creo for 3D modeling and drawing creation.

+

Experience with Windchill or similar product lifecycle management tools.

+ Familiarity with satellite, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or ground support equipment (GSE) systems and components.

+ Knowledge of root cause analysis (RCA) methods for resolving design and production issues.

+ Understanding of fixture design principles to support manufacturing, integration, and testing activities.

+ Experience supporting integration testing of mechanical and electrical systems.

+ Ability to apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with relevant standards.

+ Eligibility to work as a U.S. Person, as required for this role.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working with Creo Schematics for harness and schematic design.

+ Experience working on satellite or launch vehicle systems or components.

+ Familiarity with material selection for space environments, including considerations for vacuum, radiation, and thermal conditions.

+ Experience using CAD software to develop models and manufacturing drawings of mechanical structures and assemblies beyond wire harnesses.

+ Working knowledge of NASA-STD 8739.4 or similar standards related to cable and harness workmanship.

+ Working knowledge of the ANSI Y14.5 dimensioning and tolerancing specification.

+ Strong communication skills for preparing technical reports, presentations, and documentation.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering and production team.

+ Comfort working in a fast-paced environment that spans concept development through production and test.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment based out of an office in Tukwila, WA, combining on-site work with remote flexibility as program needs require. You will work closely with a global, people-first team that values collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. The position involves regular interaction with cutting-edge satellite systems, including flight, prototype, and ground support hardware, within engineering labs, integration areas, and production facilities.

You…