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Wire Harness Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Senior Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

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

CSG

Senior Avionics Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Senior Avionics Engineer Location: Northern Virginia (On-site/Hybrid) Employment Type: Full-Time An ... Preferred Experience Experience with electrical harness design tools such as Capital or similar.

Leidos

Wire Shop Technician

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$40K - $72K/yr

Operating a laser wire marking machine * Building complex wire harness assemblies and junction ... harness assemblies on aircraft and in facilities * Working with electrical engineering and ...

Leidos

Wire Shop Technician

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Operating a laser wire marking machine * Building complex wire harness assemblies and junction ... harness assemblies on aircraft and in facilities * Working with electrical engineering and ...

gaylor

Design Engineer

Richmond, VA

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 ...

gaylor

Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

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 ...

Smart Synergies

Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

You will handle a wide range of engineering tasks, including circuit board development, firmware (FPGA & CPU) development, cable/harness design, and documentation. This will also include board and ...

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All JobsWire Harness Design Engineer JobsWire Harness Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Jul 27, 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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wire Harness Design Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in VA? For Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wire Harness Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,043 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Wire Harness Assembler

Wire Harness Assembler

Viavi Solutions

Paeonian Springs, VA

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Wire Harness Assembler I is responsible for the assembly of wire harnesses, including the preparation of wires, crimping connectors, and ensuring that all components meet quality standards. The assembler will also conduct functional tests on completed wire harnesses to ensure they perform as required. This role involves working closely with other team members to maintain a high level of precision and efficiency in harness assembly operations.

Key Responsibilities

Wire Preparation and Harness Assembly
Prepare and strip wires to the required lengths and specifications.
Assemble wire harnesses by attaching connectors, terminals, and other components according to schematics and assembly instructions.
Ensure that harnesses are properly organized, routed, and secured according to design specifications.
Perform crimping, soldering, and other necessary techniques to ensure secure connections.

Testing and Quality Control
Conduct functional testing on completed wire harnesses to ensure they meet performance requirements.
Inspect wire harnesses for defects or issues with connections, routing, or component placement.
Troubleshoot and make necessary corrections to ensure harnesses meet quality standards.
Document all test results, issues, and corrective actions taken.

Safety and Housekeeping
Maintain a clean and safe workstation, adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols.
Use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly during the assembly process.
Follow safety procedures, including Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) standards for sensitive components.
Assist in organizing and cleaning the work area to promote efficiency and safety.

Collaboration and Reporting
Work with the production team to meet assembly targets and ensure timely completion of tasks.
Report any quality or safety concerns to the supervisor.
Assist in completing necessary documentation related to production and quality assurance.
Participate in overtime and weekend shifts as needed.

Inventory Assistance (Secondary Responsibility)
Assist with maintaining an organized inventory of materials, such as wires, connectors, and other harness assembly components.
Ensure that components are stored properly and in accordance with safety protocols.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Education
High school diploma or GED required.

Experience
Experience in wire harness assembly or related fields is preferred but not required.
Familiarity with hand tools and basic assembly processes is a plus.

Technical Skills
Ability to follow assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
Manual dexterity and precision handling of small parts.
Basic understanding of wire preparation techniques, including stripping and crimping.

Soft Skills
Strong attention to detail and quality control.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and adaptability.
Ability to maintain a high sense of urgency and diligence in meeting production deadlines.

Certifications (Optional)
Any relevant certifications in wire harness assembly, crimping, or safety practices are beneficial but not required.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Job Posting Pay Range:

14

to

26

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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