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Connector Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Connector Engineer

Southfield, MI

$96K - $132K/yr

SENIOR CONNECTOR ENGINEER - CONNECTION SYSTEMS SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN Reporting to the Manager of ... Create 3D CAD proposals * Preparing DFMEAs * Select materials, managing the FEA and making design ...

Senior Connector Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

SENIOR CONNECTOR ENGINEER - CONNECTION SYSTEMS SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN Reporting to the Manager of ... Create 3D CAD proposals * Preparing DFMEAs * Select materials, managing the FEA and making design ...

Hardware Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

You will also lead hardware design reviews, run simulations, do lab validation for network ... Define SI budgets for different parts of the system (board, cable, connector, etc.), keeping jitter ...

New

Research, design, and implement connector solutions for a variety of data sources. * Perform CIM ... Maintain ticket management and DevOps activity tracking to ensure accurate work intake ...

Research, design, and implement connector solutions for a variety of data sources. * Perform CIM ... Maintain ticket management and DevOps activity tracking to ensure accurate work intake ...

Resident Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$93K - $118K/yr

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software ... connector pin-out definitions, communications protocols and wiring diagrams. * As necessary, track ...

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Showing results 1-20

Connector Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$35.3K

$76.8K

$138.1K

How much do connector design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for connector design engineer in Michigan is $76,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,300.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Connector Design Engineers?

Connector Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing and developing electrical connectors used in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and telecommunications. Their role involves creating detailed designs, selecting suitable materials, and ensuring that connectors meet mechanical, electrical, and environmental requirements. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize connector performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Additionally, they may be involved in testing prototypes, troubleshooting design issues, and supporting the manufacturing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Connector Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Connector Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, CAD proficiency, and a solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, industry standards (such as IPC or MIL specifications), and simulation tools is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and addressing design challenges. These skills ensure that connectors are designed to meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements in various applications.

What are some common challenges Connector Design Engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Connector Design Engineers often work closely with manufacturing, quality assurance, and product development teams to ensure their designs meet performance, cost, and manufacturability requirements. A common challenge is balancing strict technical specifications with real-world production constraints, which may require iterative design adjustments and clear communication. Navigating differing priorities between departments—such as design ideals versus manufacturability or cost targets—requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Successful Connector Design Engineers are proactive in gathering input early and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Connector Design Engineer vs Electrical Design Engineer?

AspectConnector Design EngineerElectrical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, product development, R&DPower systems, circuit design, electronics development
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsPower utilities, electronics, telecommunications
Common Search/ComparisonDesigning physical connectors and interfacesDesigning electrical circuits and systems

The Connector Design Engineer focuses on creating physical connectors used in various products, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility. In contrast, the Electrical Design Engineer specializes in designing electrical systems and circuits. Both roles require engineering degrees and relevant certifications but serve different aspects of product development and industry applications.

What are popular job titles related to Connector Design Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Connector Design Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Electrical Design Engineer

ND DEFENSE LLC

Madison Heights, MI • On-site

$105K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Electrical Design Engineer supports the design, documentation, and release of high-voltage (HV) and low-voltage (LV) hardware components and wiring harness systems for military and specialty vehicles. This role works under the direction of senior electrical engineers to develop wiring schematics, harness drawings, connector specifications, and power distribution design. The position provides a strong development path into electrical systems engineering within the defense vehicle sector.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design and documentation of HV power distribution hardware, including contactors, fuses, bus bars, disconnect switches, and junction boxes.
  • Develop LV wiring harness designs: schematics, harness drawings, connector pin-outs, splice details, and wire routing within the vehicle package.
  • Create and maintain wire lists, connector tables, and circuit descriptions for vehicle electrical systems.
  • Support 3D harness routing in CAD, ensuring compliance with bend radius, clearance, and serviceability requirements.
  • Assist in component selection by researching connectors, terminals, grommets, and protective sleeving that meet environmental and performance specifications.
  • Assist in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system design and implementation for electrification and drive-by-wire systems in the prototype development stage.
  • Generate and release engineering drawings and associated documentation per company drafting standards and configuration management procedures.
  • Support design reviews by preparing presentation materials, redlines, and design check summaries.
  • Assist in DVP&R planning and test support for electrical components, including continuity checks, insulation resistance, and environmental testing.
  • Collaborate with vehicle integration and manufacturing engineering on harness assembly sequences and installation procedures.
  • Maintain awareness of applicable standards including SAE J1128, SAE J1742, MIL-STD-461, and customer-specific electrical requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related discipline.
  • 0–3 years of experience in electrical design, wiring harness design, or related role (internship/co-op experience counts).
  • Basic proficiency with CAD tools for 2D schematic capture and/or 3D harness routing.
  • Foundational understanding of electrical circuits, power distribution, and wiring principles.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and connector specifications.
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn defense-sector engineering processes.
  • Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Capital Harness, Zuken, Mentor/Vesys, or similar harness design tools.
  • Familiarity with HV safety practices and high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) design concepts.
  • Coursework or experience with EMI/EMC principles or MIL-STD-461 requirements.
  • Exposure to automotive or military wiring standards (SAE, USCAR, MIL-DTL).
  • Experience with any PLM/PDM system for drawing release and change management.

Working Conditions

  • Primarily office-based with periodic time in the prototype shop and engineering lab.
  • May require occasional lifting of harness assemblies or prototype components (up to 25 lbs).
  • Limited travel; occasional supplier or customer site visits as needed.



ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.