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Harness Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Harness Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

You will be the Responsible Engineer for harness system design and components such as connectors, wire and cable, instrumentation, and heaters. You will help establish production test requirements ...

K2 Space

Senior Harness Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

You will be the Responsible Engineer for harness system design and components such as connectors, wire and cable, instrumentation, and heaters. You will help establish production test requirements ...

New

Keltia Design

WH DE Linkedin-Apr 2024

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Electrical Wire Harness (System Integration) - Feb 2024-1909 - Remote work, CA We have an immediate opening for an Electrical Wire Harness Design Engineer with our client in Los Angeles area in CA ...

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All JobsHarness Design Engineer JobsHarness Design Engineer Jobs in California

Harness Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$49

$77

How much do harness design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for harness design engineer in California is $49.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.34 and $56.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a harness design engineer?

A Harness Design Engineer is a professional who designs and develops wiring harnesses used in vehicles, aircraft, machinery, or electronic systems. They are responsible for creating detailed schematics and layouts that specify how electrical wires, connectors, and terminals are routed and connected. Their work ensures that electrical systems function reliably and safely, meeting industry standards and client requirements. They often collaborate with other engineers, use specialized CAD software, and consider factors like space constraints, durability, and ease of installation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a harness design engineer?

To thrive as a Harness Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, cable management, and wiring schematics, typically supported by a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CAD software (such as CATIA, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks), wiring harness design tools, and familiarity with industry standards (like IPC/WHMA-A-620) are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and ensure design accuracy. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable, safe, and cost-effective wiring solutions in automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications.

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

AspectHarness Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing wiring harnesses and cable assemblies for various systemsDesigning electrical systems, circuits, and components for a wide range of applications
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, industrial equipment manufacturingElectronics, power systems, consumer electronics, industrial machinery
Required CredentialsTypically an engineering degree in electrical or mechanical engineering; certifications in wiring or harness design are a plusBachelor's or higher in electrical engineering; professional engineer (PE) license may be beneficial

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, a Harness Design Engineer specializes in creating wiring harnesses and cable assemblies, often within automotive or aerospace industries. An Electrical Engineer has a broader scope, focusing on electrical systems and circuit design across various sectors. The roles overlap in technical skills and education but differ in their specific applications and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by harness design engineers during the product development cycle?

Harness Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating complex wiring systems into compact spaces, ensuring compatibility with evolving electronic components, and meeting strict regulatory and safety standards. They must also coordinate closely with manufacturing and testing teams to address issues like routing feasibility and electromagnetic interference. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as design changes can arise late in the development process, requiring quick adaptation without compromising quality or timelines.

What are popular job titles related to Harness Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Harness Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Harness Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Harness Design Engineer jobs in California are:

Harness Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harness Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,573 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Senior Harness Design Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Harness Design Engineer II will primarily focus on the design, development, and integration of electrical harnesses for our spacecraft. This includes defining interfaces, selecting components, specifying split locations and lengths, and generating design documentation to support the spacecraft engineering team. The Harness Design Engineer will also collaborate with systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and assembly, integration, and test (AIT) teams to ensure seamless integration of harness systems into our spacecraft.

This role emphasizes electrical engineering principles, including wiring diagram development, interface definition, and electrical system architecture interpretation, while supporting the full lifecycle of harness engineering from design to fabrication and integration.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Harnessing responsibilities:
  • Design and develop electrical harness systems for spacecraft, including connector and backshell selection, wire selection, shielding, and routing.
  • Generate wiring diagrams, pinout tables, and interface definitions for harness systems based on spacecraft interconnect diagrams.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering to interpret system architecture and define electrical interfaces.
  • Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for harness systems in the product lifecycle management (PLM) tool.
  • Develop and maintain fabrication drawings and documentation for harness systems using tools such as Capital Essentials, NX, and Teamcenter.
  • Support harness fabrication processes, ensuring compliance with space-grade standards and industry best practices.
  • Define and verify harness acceptance criteria, including electrical testing and inspection.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and AIT) to ensure proper integration of harnesses into spacecraft.
  • Electrical Engineering responsibilities:
  • Perform electrical design and analysis to ensure harness systems meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Support electrical system schematics and harness design documentation.
  • Participate in design reviews, providing technical input and ensuring harness designs meet program requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues related to harness systems during fabrication, integration, and testing.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
  • 8+ years of electrical engineering or avionics experience

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master's or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
  • Experience in the aerospace/defense industry
  • Experience supporting satellite development programs and satellite operations
  • Proficiency in electrical engineering principles, including power distribution, signal integrity, grounding, and communication systems (e.g., RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus).
  • Experience with harness design tools such as Capital Essentials, NX, and Teamcenter.
  • Familiarity with industry standards for harness design and fabrication (e.g., NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC/WHMA-A-620).
  • Experience with electrical testing of harness systems, including continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and functional testing.
  • Knowledge of thermal and mechanical considerations for harness routing and integration.
  • Familiarity with requirement management tools such as JAMA.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$140,000—$210,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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