Cable Harness Assembler (First Shift 5:00am - 1:30pm)

Aptiv; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Career development resources

2nd shift differential

Job summary

Aptiv Interconnect is seeking reliable Cable Harness Assemblers in Garden Grove, CA to build high-reliability cable assemblies and wire harnesses for aerospace, defense, and space systems. You will work from complex customer prints, focusing on precision, quality, and adherence to workmanship standards.

The role involves hand tools operation, wire routing, termination, and assembly techniques with opportunities for growth and skill advancement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of prior cable harness assembly or general manufacturing experience required.
• U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) strictly enforced due to ITAR/EAR export control regulations.
• English reading and writing proficiency sufficient to complete training and follow regulated work instructions.
• Strong hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, and a strong willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assemble cable harnesses and wire harnesses per customer prints and work instructions.
• Perform accurate wire layout, routing, bundling, and preparation.
• Crimping, basic soldering, pinning, and connector assembly.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work area following 5S, ESD controls, and safety regulations.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

IPC/WHMA-A-620 knowledge

IPC-A-610 knowledge

Job description

Job Title: Cable Harness Assembler

Location: Garden Grove, CA USA

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Lead

Job Type: Non-exempt

Compensation: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour (Eligible for $2.00/hr 2nd shift differential, referral bonus, and sign-on bonus)

Summary

At Aptiv Interconnect, we inspire the world's most innovative teams by doing the right thing, the right way. We are seeking reliable and detail-oriented Cable Harness Assemblers to build mission-critical products that power advanced aerospace, defense, and space systems. In this hands-on role, you will produce high-reliability cable assemblies and wire harnesses. Whether you are an entry-level trainee eager to learn or an experienced assembler accustomed to building directly from complex customer prints, you will specialize in one or more of the major assembly phases—focusing on precision, quality, and strict adherence to workmanship standards.

Leadership & Core Responsibilities

Technical Execution & Assembly

• Perform and maintain proficiency in one or more of the major functions of cable harness assembly.

0510 - Bundle

Accurate wire layout, routing, and bundling.

0520 - Prep

Precision cutting, stripping, and wire preparation.

0530 - Termination (Connectorization)

Crimping, basic soldering, pinning, and connector assembly.

0540 - Final

Final dress, hardware installation, labeling, and pre-test finishing.

• Perform basic operation of hand tools (wire cutters, strippers, crimpers) to execute accurate wire routing, simple pinning, and color-code recognition.
• Exhibit the ability to follow detailed, internally translated visual work instructions.
• Assist in the operation of basic testing equipment. Exhibit the ability to work independently with minimal daily supervision while strictly adhering to provided work instructions or drawings.

Quality, Safety & Workmanship

• Familiarity with standard manufacturing quality checks. Build quality into the product by reviewing documentation, completing self-inspections, and meeting required labor and workmanship targets.
• Follow applicable workmanship standards, including IPC/WHMA-A-620 and IPC-A-610, and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in strict accordance with 5S practices, ESD controls, and facility safety regulations.

Position Requirements

Education & Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of prior cable harness assembly or general manufacturing experience required.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) strictly enforced due to ITAR/EAR export control regulations.
• English reading and writing proficiency sufficient to complete training and follow regulated work instructions.
• Strong hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, and a strong willingness to learn.

Certifications & Competencies

• Ability to meet and maintain IPC/WHMA-A-620 and IPC-A-610 workmanship standards is required. (Active IPC-620 or J-STD-001 certificates are a significant bonus).
• Precision, quality focus, safety awareness, accountability, teamwork, documentation accuracy, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced high-mix/low-volume environment.

Compensation, Benefits & Legal

Total Rewards & Compensation

• $21.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Eligible for a $2.00/hour shift differential for 2nd shift, as well as company sponsored referral and sign-on bonus programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package featuring health coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and career development resources.

Aptiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities). We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination and strictly prohibit workplace harassment of any kind.