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Wire Harness Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Support Services Requisition Number: STAFF010059 * Full-Time Locations Showing 1 ... Experience with wire harness design for unmanned systems, robotics, or drone platforms.

New

ARA is seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer to support the design, integration, and controls ... Experience with wire harness design for unmanned systems, robotics, or drone platforms.

Design Engineer - Modular The Design Engineer plays a critical role in transforming virtual design concepts into fully engineered, constructable solutions. This position leads preconstruction design ...

Design Engineer - Modular The Design Engineer plays a critical role in transforming virtual design concepts into fully engineered, constructable solutions. This position leads preconstruction design ...

Design Engineer - Modular The Design Engineer plays a critical role in transforming virtual design concepts into fully engineered, constructable solutions. This position leads preconstruction design ...

Design Engineer - Modular The Design Engineer plays a critical role in transforming virtual design concepts into fully engineered, constructable solutions. This position leads preconstruction design ...

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Wire Harness Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$49

$77

How much do wire harness design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for wire harness design engineer in Virginia is $49.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.53 and $56.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wire harness design engineer?

A wire harness design engineer works to design harnesses to protect electrical wiring and cable in airplanes, cars, and other devices that rely on electrical power. In this career, your duties focus on designing harnesses that allow the electrical distribution system to bring energy safely to the outlet where the mechanisms, product, airplane, or vehicle needs it. Your responsibilities involve using your electrical engineering skills to analyze the electrical needs for the project, calculate current requirements, and incorporate this data into your harness design.

What does a wire harness design engineer do?

A Wire Harness Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing wire harnesses used to connect electrical and electronic components in vehicles, machinery, or equipment. Their work involves creating detailed wiring diagrams, selecting appropriate materials, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to optimize production. They also perform testing and troubleshooting to ensure the harnesses meet safety and functional requirements. This role is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment where reliable electrical connections are essential.

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

To thrive as a Wire Harness Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, knowledge of wiring standards, and experience with harness design principles, often backed by a relevant degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD Electrical or CATIA), harness design tools, and familiarity with industry regulations (like IPC/WHMA-A-620) are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design accuracy. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective wiring solutions in industries like automotive and aerospace.

What are some common challenges a wire harness design engineer faces when coordinating with manufacturing teams?

Wire Harness Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring that their designs are manufacturable and meet production timelines. Translating complex electrical schematics into practical, assembly-ready harnesses requires close collaboration with manufacturing teams to address issues such as routing constraints, component availability, and assembly ergonomics. Open communication is key to resolving discrepancies between design intent and production feasibility, and engineers frequently participate in design reviews or on-site walkthroughs to ensure smooth implementation. Being proactive in soliciting feedback and making iterative improvements helps minimize costly rework and keeps projects on schedule.

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

AspectWire Harness Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, certifications like IPC/WHMA-A-620 are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; professional licensure (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing wiring harnesses in manufacturing or automotive settingsDesigning electrical systems, circuit analysis, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, industrial equipmentElectronics, power systems, telecommunications

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, the Wire Harness Design Engineer specializes in creating wiring assemblies for specific products, whereas the Electrical Engineer focuses on broader electrical system design and analysis. The roles often overlap in skills and certifications but differ in scope and application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Wire Harness Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,043 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Wire Design & Install Engineer 3

Boeing

Manassas, VA • On-site

$119K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 617 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Wire Design & Install Engineer 3
Company:
The Boeing Company
Develops and maintains cable/wire harness detail and assembly designs. Analyzes results and performs design reviews. Develops and maintains electrical product detail, assembly and installation designs (e.g., equipment racks, power panels, cable routing and geometry, antennas).Provides engineering design disposition on discrepancies (e.g., rejection tags, production action requests, shop revision requests). Documents processes, specifications and procedures that support the design and manufacture of electrical commodities. Develops basic statements of work. Participates in technical review of supplier capabilities to facilitate source selection. Analyzes functional and physical input to assure development of complete integrated design. Works under general direction.
Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range: $119,850-$162,150
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Export Control Requirement:
Safety Sensitive:
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US