3D Harness Engineer

Katalyst Space Technologies; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Option

Relocation Bonus

Comprehensive Medical, Vision, Dental

Job summary

Katalyst Space Technologies in Broomfield, CO, seeks a Mechanical/Electrical Harness Design Engineer to own spacecraft harness routing from concept to manufacturing documentation. You will develop 3D models in SolidWorks, create wire lists and pin maps, and ensure traceability across design and production in a PDM environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, 3+ years in 3D CAD harness routing, and expert SolidWorks skills, with experience in aerospace or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 3+ years of professional experience with 3D CAD harness routing and CAD library management.
• Expert-level SolidWorks including 3D Routing, parametric modeling, drawings, and PDM.
• Strong harness design principles: wire selection, grounding, shielding, EMI/EMC.

Responsibilities

• Own spacecraft harness design and 3D routing from concepts to manufacturing docs.
• Develop detailed 3D harness routing models in SolidWorks and manage libraries.
• Create parametric models of harness components and ensure traceability to specs.
• Develop wire lists, pin maps, and harness specifications with traceability.
• Define harness architectures meeting electrical/environmental requirements.
• Collaborate across electrical and mechanical teams for reliable interconnects.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D Routing

PDM Professional

Electrical harness design

Cable and wire selection

Connectorization

Pin mapping

EMI/EMC considerations

Interconnect systems

SQL/Python scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks Electrical Schematic

SQL

Python

Job description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on d ynamic space operations . We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to creat e the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You’ll Do

• Own spacecraft harness design and 3D routing of spacecraft harness, translating electrical schematics and interconnect requirements into harness routing through integration and test.
• Develop detailed 3D harness routing models in SolidWorks, including cables, wires, connectors, backshells, clamps, and other harness hardware, and maintain the associated routing libraries within a PDM-managed environment.
• Create parametric 3D models of harness and interconnect components, including connectors, backshells, clamps, brackets, and other hardware. Develop accurate models from drawings, specifications, or physical hardware when existing CAD models are not available.
• Develop wire lists, connector pin maps, drawings, and harness specifications while maintaining traceability between electrical design intent, 3D routing, and manufacturing documentation.
• Define harness architectures that meet electrical and environmental requirements, including current capacity, voltage drop, grounding, bonding, shielding, EMI/EMC, thermal effects, radiation exposure, and space charging considerations.
• Work across electrical and mechanical teams to trade routing configurations and deliver reliable, testable, and cost-effective interconnect systems. Support qualification, acceptance testing, vehicle integration, troubleshooting, and design iteration.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years of professional experience with 3D CAD harness routing and hands-on CAD library management.
• Expert-level proficiency with SolidWorks, including 3D Routing, parametric part and assembly modeling, drawing detailing, and SolidWorks PDM Professional.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical harness design principles, including wire and cable selection, connectorization, pin mapping, grounding, shielding, voltage drop, controlled impedance, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Experience developing complex interconnect systems and translating wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical requirements into complete 3D designs and manufacturing documentation.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Experience designing harnesses for spacecraft, aircraft, robotics, or similarly complex aerospace or electromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable harness workmanship and design standards.
• Experience with SolidWorks Electrical Schematic and bidirectional electrical-to-mechanical design workflows.
• Strong understanding of electrical failure modes and mitigation techniques, including interference, voltage drop, thermal effects, crosstalk, grounding, bonding, and shield termination.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to wire harness design , such as IPC/WHMA-A-620 and/or NASA-STD 8739.4A
• Experience automating harness design workflows using SQL, Python, or other scripting languages.
• Familiarity with radiation effects on avionics, cabling, and materials is a plus.

Additional Requirements

This role is expected to work primarily onsite in Broomfield, Colorado and may occasionally require extended hours when urgent employee, leadership, or business needs arise.

Compensation and Benefits

Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $125,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Due to contractual requirements associated with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.