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Wire Harness Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by ... Create and manage detailed harness drawings, including cable/wire routing, connector selection ...

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.

Work with production, quality, and engineering teams to resolve discrepancies involving drawings ... Cable or wire-harness assembly * Industrial equipment wiring * Automotive or equipment wiring * HVA ...

Work with production, quality, and engineering teams to resolve discrepancies involving drawings ... Cable or wire-harness assembly * Industrial equipment wiring * Automotive or equipment wiring * HVA ...

Automotive Technician

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$8.0K - $10K/mo

  • Retirement

Training & development Company ADAS & GO specializes in post collision technology calibrations + programming + diagnostics + airbag + wire harness repair. We work with our clients to provide a ...

... wire harness assembly in compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards. - Conduct functional and ... engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to ensure accurate builds ...

Senior Avionics Engineer

Sterling, VA

$100 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain harness drawings and implement redlines and engineering updates. * Provide hands-on support for harness fabrication and system bring-up. * Support sensor integration, data acquisition (DAQ ...

You will work closely with engineers and other production staff to ensure that all components meet ... wire harness assemblies, low voltage assemblies or computer repair. Responsibilities:

Electrical Drafter

Rockville, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... engineering concepts into accurate electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, harness layouts, and ... Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), cut lists, wire lists, and net lists to support ...

... wire harness assembly. * Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) builds and providing Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to engineering teams. * Familiarity with manufacturing ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Washington, DC

$15K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The role includes responsibility for cable and wiring harness design, development, and integration. Why Join Us? * Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics ...

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Wire Harness Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$12

$56

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How much do wire harness engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for wire harness engineer in Washington is $56.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.30 and $64.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wire harness engineer?

Wire Harness Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and oversee the installation of wire harnesses—bundles of wires and cables that transmit electrical power and signals—in vehicles, machinery, and electronic systems. They create detailed schematics, select appropriate materials, and ensure that harnesses meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Their work is crucial in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where reliable electrical connections are essential for system functionality and safety.

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

To thrive as a Wire Harness Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and familiarity with industry standards, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD or CATIA), harness design tools, and understanding of wiring schematics is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design accuracy. These skills are vital for delivering reliable, safe, and cost-effective wire harness solutions in automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications.

What are some common challenges wire harness engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Wire Harness Engineers often work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams, which can present challenges in aligning different requirements and timelines. Miscommunication about design changes, component specifications, or installation constraints can lead to rework or delays. To overcome these challenges, effective documentation, regular cross-team meetings, and proactive issue tracking are essential. Developing strong relationships with team members across departments also helps ensure smoother collaboration and project success.

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

AspectWire Harness EngineerElectrical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering or related field, certifications like IPC/WHMA-A-620 are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering, certifications in circuit design or CAD tools are beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, assembly, and testing environments focused on wiring and harness assemblyWorks in design offices, labs, or R&D settings focusing on circuit and system design
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment manufacturingUsed across electronics, consumer devices, and industrial automation sectors

While both roles involve electrical systems, a Wire Harness Engineer specializes in designing and assembling wiring harnesses for various products, ensuring proper connectivity and safety. An Electrical Design Engineer focuses on creating electrical circuits and systems at a broader level, often overseeing the entire electrical architecture. Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge but differ in scope and application.

What job categories do people searching Wire Harness Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Wire Harness Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Wire Harness Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,715 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Mechanical Harness Engineer to join our dynamic team working on state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate electrical harnesses that form the backbone of the satellite's electrical system, ensuring reliable and efficient power and data transfer for successful missions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop electrical harnesses for LEO satellite systems, considering mission requirements, space constraints, thermal considerations, and EMC requirements.
  • Collaborate with system engineers, electrical designers, and mechanical engineers to define harness specifications and design constraints.
  • Create and manage detailed harness drawings, including cable/wire routing, connector selection, splicing, and termination plans using CAD tools.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., IPC-WHMA-A-620, ECSS-E-HB-10-10) and space agency requirements.
  • Conduct analyses and simulations to verify mechanical integrity, electrical performance, and environmental resistance.
  • Support fabrication, assembly, and testing of harnesses, providing guidance to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
  • Perform in-house testing and validation, including continuity checks, insulation resistance, and signal integrity testing.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to source space-qualified components while maintaining cost-effectiveness and schedule adherence.
  • Document all design and testing activities, including procedures, reports, and design changes.
  • Participate in design reviews and cross-functional meetings, providing technical insights for optimization.
  • Assist in troubleshooting harness-related issues during integration, testing, and in-orbit operations.
  • Stay current with advancements in harness technologies and explore opportunities for innovation.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in electrical harness design for aerospace or space applications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with high-reliability harness design for small satellites, CubeSats, or nano/microsatellites.
  • Knowledge of space-rated materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with thermal analysis and thermal management techniques.
  • Previous work with major aerospace agencies or satellite manufacturers.

Soft Skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and design.

Technology Stack

  • CAD tools: Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360 PLM, and Vault
  • Familiarity with harness design standards and schematic capture tools.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in clean room production environment.
  • Occasional hands-on work in lab environments for testing and validation. 

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.