Mechanical Engineer - Wire Harness

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Wire HarnessJob Description

The Mechanical Engineer - Wire Harness develops and delivers wiring interconnect solutions for spacecraft components, instrumentation, and ground support equipment, integrating them into fully functional satellite systems. This role supports the full program lifecycle from concept through production, contributing to the development, design, test, and manufacture of satellite systems, components, and supporting hardware. Working as part of a highly skilled, multi-functional technical team, you will use cutting-edge tools and best practices to create state-of-the-art satellites in a people-first, customer-focused, and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design spacecraft wire harness and cable physical routing and support structures using CAD software, primarily PTC Creo.
• Develop initial concepts of space-vehicle wire harness system layouts and ground support equipment based on program requirements and objectives, then mature these concepts into detailed designs.
• Generate and maintain engineering and manufacturing documentation, including schematics, flat-pattern drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Document design and analysis data in technical reports, presentations, and manufacturing systems to ensure traceability and clear communication.
• Support manufacturing and production teams by communicating design intent, resolving build issues, reviewing nonconformance reports, and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment needed to support integration and test activities for flight, prototype, and ground support hardware.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to make informed decisions when data is incomplete, balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and schedule constraints.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver space vehicle designs, production plans, and test strategies that meet program cost, schedule, and quality goals.
• Interact regularly with flight, prototype, and ground support hardware during design, integration, and test activities.
• Use configuration management and PLM tools, such as Windchill, to manage CAD models, drawings, and product data throughout the lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in a mechanical engineering role.
• Experience using CAD software to develop wire harness models and manufacturing drawings.
• Demonstrable experience maturing designs from initial concepts to detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 for wire harness and cable assembly requirements.
• Hands-on experience with wire harness design, routing, and assembly in a mechanical engineering context.
• Proficiency with PTC Creo for 3D modeling and drawing creation.
• Experience with Windchill or similar product lifecycle management tools.
• Familiarity with satellite, spacecraft, launch vehicle, or ground support equipment (GSE) systems and components.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis (RCA) methods for resolving design and production issues.
• Understanding of fixture design principles to support manufacturing, integration, and testing activities.
• Experience supporting integration testing of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with relevant standards.
• Eligibility to work as a U.S. Person, as required for this role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with Creo Schematics for harness and schematic design.
• Experience working on satellite or launch vehicle systems or components.
• Familiarity with material selection for space environments, including considerations for vacuum, radiation, and thermal conditions.
• Experience using CAD software to develop models and manufacturing drawings of mechanical structures and assemblies beyond wire harnesses.
• Working knowledge of NASA-STD 8739.4 or similar standards related to cable and harness workmanship.
• Working knowledge of the ANSI Y14.5 dimensioning and tolerancing specification.
• Strong communication skills for preparing technical reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering and production team.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment that spans concept development through production and test.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment based out of an office in Tukwila, WA, combining on-site work with remote flexibility as program needs require. You will work closely with a global, people-first team that values collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. The position involves regular interaction with cutting-edge satellite systems, including flight, prototype, and ground support hardware, within engineering labs, integration areas, and production facilities. You will use modern engineering tools such as PTC Creo, Windchill, and related CAD and PLM systems, and you will participate in integration and test activities that may require time on the lab floor or in controlled production environments. The culture emphasizes teamwork, continuous learning, and mentorship from senior engineers, providing opportunities to see your designs progress from initial concept through production and deployment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tukwila, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $49.00 - $62.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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.