Cable and Wire Harness Assembler

NuWaves RF Solutions; MIDDLETOWN (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

NuWaves RF Solutions is seeking a Cable and Wire Harness Assembler to build mission-critical RF assemblies and custom harnesses for defense, aerospace, and commercial RF systems.

You will use precision hand tools and semi-automated equipment to assemble and inspect wiring per IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards in a high-reliability environment.

Qualifications

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification preferred.
• Ability to read wire run lists, schematics and BOMs.
• Experience with precision hand tools and metrology.

Responsibilities

• Assemble custom wire harnesses and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies per engineering drawings.
• Prepare RF/microwave coax cables and connectors (SMA, BNC, Type-N, etc.).
• Perform high-reliability hand soldering and precision crimping per IPC/WHMA-A-620.
• Apply heat-shrink, EMI shielding, and protective jacketing.
• Inspect harnesses against IPC-A-620 criteria for pin retention and solder joints.
• Document work traceability and maintain ESD-safe workstation cleanliness.

Skills

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification

Blueprint reading

Manual dexterity

Soldering & crimping

DMM testing knowledge

ESD/Quality mindset

Tools

Wire strippers

Crimping tools

Contact insertion/extraction tools

Soldering irons

Heat gun

Torque wrenches

Calipers & micrometers

Job description

Join the high-reliability manufacturing team at NuWaves RF Solutions as a Cable and Wire Harness Assembler. In this role, you will play a vital part in building mission-critical RF assemblies, custom cable harnesses, and electro-mechanical interconnects used in defense, aerospace, and commercial RF systems.

You will work with precision hand tools, semi-automated equipment, and testing instruments to assemble and inspect complex wiring assemblies in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards. We value craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality environment.

Overview

Join the high-reliability manufacturing team at NuWaves RF Solutions as a Cable and Wire Harness Assembler. In this role, you will play a vital part in building mission-critical RF assemblies, custom cable harnesses, and electro-mechanical interconnects used in defense, aerospace, and commercial RF systems.

You will work with precision hand tools, semi-automated equipment, and testing instruments to assemble and inspect complex wiring assemblies in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards. We value craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Harness & Cable Fabrication: Assemble custom wire harnesses, multi-conductor cables, discrete wire assemblies, and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies according to engineering drawings, wiring schematics, and standard work instructions.
• Wire & Coaxial Cable Prep: Cut, strip, assemble, and terminate flexible, conformable, and semi-rigid RF/microwave coaxial cables with various connector interfaces (SMA, SMP, BNC, Type-N, Micro-D, D-Sub, circular connectors).
• Crimping & Soldering: Perform high-reliability hand soldering (wire-to-terminal, cup terminals, grounding shields) and precision mechanical crimping following IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.
• Heat Shrink & Shielding: Apply heat-shrink tubing, EMI/RFI shielding braids, overbraiding, and protective jacketing using heat guns and specialized fixtures.
• Inspection & Quality Verification: Visually inspect completed harnesses against IPC-A-620 criteria (Class 2/3) for proper pin retention, strip lengths, solder joints, crimp integrity, and overall workmanship.
• Electrical Testing: Perform point-to-point continuity, resistance, short checks, and insulation/dielectric withstanding voltage (Hi-Pot) testing using digital multimeters (DMM) and automated cable analyzers.
• Documentation & Compliance: Follow assembly work routers, record traceability data, document non-conformances, and maintain ESD-safe workstation cleanliness.

Qualifications & Skills

• Standards & Certifications: Current or prior certification in IPC/WHMA-A-620 is strongly preferred (IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610 is a plus).
• Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to read and interpret technical wire run lists, point-to-point schematics, mechanical drawings, and bill of materials (BOM).
• Tool Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with precision wire strippers, hand/pneumatic crimpers, contact insertion/extraction tools, soldering irons, heat guns, torque wrenches, and basic measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers).
• RF & Mil-Spec Experience: Familiarity with RF coax termination and mil-spec circular or micro-miniature connectors is highly desirable.
• Testing Skills: Experience operating digital multimeters, cable harness testers (e.g., Cirris / CAMI), and basic continuity/resistance test fixtures.
• Manual Dexterity: Excellent fine-motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and color vision for accurate wire identification and high-density connector assembly.
• Quality Mindset: Understanding of ESD control procedures, FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention, and AS9100 / ISO 9001 aerospace quality practices.