Trainee Wire Harness Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on designing and developing automotive battery systems, wiring harnesses, body electronics, and interior lighting components for advanced vehicle platforms. You will use CAD tools extensively to create both 3D and 2D mechanical designs, electrical schematics, and detailed drawings while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a research and development environment at the forefront of electric vehicle technology.

• Design automotive wiring harnesses and circuit structures, including fusing systems, batteries, and body electronics, ensuring robust mechanical and electrical performance.
• Develop and integrate wiring harness mechanical and electrical components such as relays, fuses, fuse boxes, relay modules, body and door control units, power distribution units, horns, exterior audible units, voltage stabilizers for idle-stop systems, AC inverters, batteries, battery sensors, CAN Gateways, Active Mount Control units, and keyless buzzers.
• Design the physical components of interior lighting systems, including layout and design for map lights, accent lighting, and cargo lighting, ensuring functional and aesthetic integration within the vehicle interior.
• Use CAD tools extensively for 3D and 2D mechanical design and drawings, as well as for electrical system schematic design, to create accurate and manufacturable designs.
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost analyses, engineering calculations, and specification development to evaluate design concepts and support decision-making.
• Plan and manage the development of automotive wiring harnesses and related systems, including scheduling and coordinating activities such as test plans, part reviews, vehicle studies, fabrication, and supplier collaboration.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive reporting documentation for evaluations, design reviews, and team events, ensuring traceability of design decisions and test outcomes.
• Work closely with test engineers to understand and develop specifications, interpret test results, and refine or modify designs as needed to meet performance and reliability targets.
• Communicate effectively with purchasing, manufacturing, project teams, suppliers, and other stakeholders to negotiate design details, release designs according to project schedules, resolve open issues, and support project milestones.
• Perform part cost estimation and calculations, and collaborate with suppliers to obtain quotes and participate in cost negotiations.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to less experienced group members in all aspects of wiring harness and body electronics design, fostering knowledge sharing and team development.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3+ months of relevant experience in electrical or mechanical design, wiring harness design, or a closely related area.
• Hands-on experience with CAD tools for 3D and 2D mechanical design and drawings; CATIA experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in engineering drawing creation and interpretation for mechanical and electrical components.
• Understanding of basic engineering concepts and terminology related to mechanical statics and dynamics, circuit analysis, and electric devices.
• Experience designing or working with wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, relays, power distribution units, circuit structures, and fusing systems.
• Ability to create and interpret electrical schematics and circuit designs for automotive or similar applications.
• Competence in problem solving, decision making, and prioritization in a technical environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft tools (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to support design development and issue resolution.

• Experience with CATIA, including CATIA Layout, for mechanical and electrical design activities.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or other 3D electronic and mechanical design tools.
• Experience in harness design, circuit design, and panel design for automotive or related industries.
• Exposure to 3D electronic design, wireframe modeling, product design, and wireframing workflows.
• Experience conducting design feasibility studies and cost analyses to support engineering and business decisions.
• Interest in working within a research and development environment focused on electric vehicles and advanced automotive technologies.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced team members, contributing to a collaborative and learning-oriented team culture.

You will work as part of a dedicated design team of approximately 40 professionals in a research and development setting focused on cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies. The role involves extensive use of CAD tools such as CATIA and potentially SolidWorks for 3D and 2D mechanical design, electrical schematics, and product documentation. You will collaborate closely with test engineers, purchasing, manufacturing, suppliers, and project teams in a structured, project-driven environment. The position emphasizes teamwork, technical collaboration, and continuous learning, with regular involvement in design reviews, test planning, vehicle studies, and supplier interactions.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raymond, OH.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $39.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Raymond,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.