Wire Harness Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Job Title: Wire Harness Technician

The Wire Harness Technician supports prototype and early-stage vehicle development by planning, building, and validating low- and high-voltage wiring harnesses and related systems. This role manages test bench updates, executes harness modifications, and collaborates closely with engineering, build, and validation teams to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable electrical systems for prototype electrified trucks. The technician takes ownership of issues from identification through resolution and contributes to continuous improvement of harness design, integration, and build processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute timely delivery of test bench updates in alignment with harness project timelines, including connectors, fixtures, hardware, and tester expansions.
• Plan and implement wire harness updates and fixes according to design specifications and evolving project requirements.
• Drive alignment and accountability across stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of targets, scope, and deliverables.
• Clarify and confirm scope and customer expectations, including test scripting, test execution, and design maturity status.
• Perform testing of harness commodities in alignment with design requirements, working closely with engineering teams.
• Validate harness build quality against defined standards and document any deviations or nonconformities.
• Verify, interpret, and approve test results, ensuring they meet design and performance criteria.
• Troubleshoot harness issues, perform detailed root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical consultation on design challenges, documentation gaps, and harness integration concerns.
• Support prototype builds and provide production support during early vehicle build phases.
• Build, modify, and repair mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems related to harness installations.
• Create, modify, and maintain wiring harnesses and test their connections to ensure proper function and safety.
• Interpret and work from wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, blueprints, and engineering instructions.
• Understand and apply requirements for low-voltage harnesses and high-voltage cable assembly and routing.
• Test drive vehicles as needed to diagnose issues in mechanical and electrical systems and support corrective actions.
• Document findings and report on prototype build maturity and risks in accordance with PVE standards.
• Drive timely resolution of cross-functional issues that impact build quality, timing, and system performance.
• Coordinate project activities, including tracking progress, communicating status, and reporting issues to stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, build, and validation teams to ensure cohesive system integration.
• Contribute to cross-training efforts, share knowledge with team members, and provide mentorship where appropriate.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with harness builds, prototype vehicle builds, or system integration.
• Experience working in manufacturing, build shop, or validation environments.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions.
• Practical experience building, modifying, and repairing mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Ability to create, modify, and maintain wiring harnesses and test connections as required.
• Understanding of low-voltage harnesses and high-voltage cable assembly and routing requirements.
• Experience diagnosing issues in mechanical and electrical systems, including during test drives.
• Strong project coordination skills, including tracking, communication, and status reporting.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with evolving requirements.
• Systems thinking with the ability to connect design intent to physical implementation.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with engineering, build, and validation teams.
• Ownership mindset with a focus on driving issues to closure across team boundaries.
• Ability to effectively collaborate, cross-train, and mentor others.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree, technician degree, or bachelor’s degree with relevant harness experience, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with automotive, heavy-duty truck, or avionic electrical systems.
• Familiarity with low-voltage and high-voltage automotive or commercial vehicle systems.
• Understanding of engineering documentation and standards used in vehicle development environments.
• Strong communication skills to clearly document findings, risks, and build maturity.
• Growth mindset and positive attitude that supports a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Work Environment

The role operates in a dynamic prototype and validation environment focused on building an electrified truck fleet. You will work closely with engineering, build, and validation teams in manufacturing, build shop, and test environments. The work involves hands-on interaction with wiring harnesses, connectors, fixtures, test benches, low- and high-voltage systems, and mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical assemblies. You will participate in prototype vehicle builds and early vehicle build phases, including test driving vehicles to diagnose system issues. The environment is fast-paced and can be ambiguous, with requirements evolving as designs mature, so flexibility and adaptability are important. Team culture emphasizes strong collaboration, a growth mindset, good attitudes, and a focus on teamwork and shared success. Dress and personal protective equipment are typically aligned with a workshop, lab, and shop-floor environment, reflecting the hands-on nature of the work.

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, OR.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $40.00/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 fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.

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