Electrical Assembly Technician

Battelle Memorial Institute; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, OH, seeks an Electrical Assembly Technician to build wire harnesses and avionics wiring for defense and aerospace programs within the National Security Business Unit.

You will fabricate harnesses, terminate MIL-DTL-38999 connectors, perform inspections, and document builds while adhering to ES D controls and quality processes, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 5 years of relevant experience, or 2 years of experience with an Associate's degree or equivalent military experience.
• Experience fabricating wire harnesses and cable assemblies from released engineering documentation.
• Hands-on experience with MIL-DTL-38999 (D38999) connectors, including contact insertion/extraction and backshell assembly.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, interconnect drawings to build from.
• Experience with crimp terminations and solder sleeve/splice operations.
• US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate aviation wire harnesses and cable assemblies following engineering docs.
• Assemble and terminate circular MIL-DTL-38999 connectors with proper backshells.
• Wire avionics assemblies including panel, chassis, and enclosure wiring.
• Perform crimp terminations and solder sleeves per workmanship requirements.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections; verify continuity and pinouts.
• Document builds with travelers, serial/lot traceability, and redlines.
• Maintain tools/test equipment per calibration and quality requirements.
• Assist with documentation for future revisions and build history.
• Support troubleshooting and controlled rework as needed.

Skills

Crimping

Soldering

Wiring diagrams

Electrical assembly

Quality inspection

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or military experience

Tools

MIL-DTL-38999 connectors

Calibrated crimp tools

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

At Battelle, we understand that national security professionals face immense challenges across all domains—land, air, maritime, space, and cyberspace. Our commitment is to deliver where others can’t. We provide innovative, high-technology deployable equipment and engineered product solutions that not only extend the service life of fielded equipment but also enhance mission performance in extreme operating environments while offering essential threat protection for our military. Our experts collaborate with military clients throughout the entire product life cycle, from engineering and product development to production, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of national security with precision and reliability.

We are currently seeking an Electrical Assembly Technician. This position is a full time opportunity located in Columbus, Ohio.

This role supports Battelle's National Security Business Unit, where we are involved in the design, development, prototyping, and manufacturing of defense-related items. The Electrical Assembly Technician is primarily responsible for building wire harnesses, assembling and wiring avionics assemblies, and performing electrical integration on aerospace and space systems.

Responsibilities

As an Electrical Assembly Technician, the selected individual will perform hands‑on electrical assembly work in support of defense and aerospace programs. Responsibilities may include:

• Fabricate aviation wire harnesses and cable assemblies, including measuring, cutting, stripping, marking, labeling, and bundling wires with appropriate sleeving, braid, heatshrink, strain relief, and chafe protection

• Assemble and terminate MIL-DTL-38999 (D38999) or equivalent circular connectors, ensuring proper keying, orientation, contact seating, retention verification, and backshell/strain relief installation

• Perform avionics-related electrical assembly tasks, including chassis, panel, and enclosure wiring, as well as connectorized subassemblies and discrete I/O harnessing

• Execute terminations using crimp contacts and solder sleeves/splices in accordance with applicable workmanship requirements

• Conduct in‑process and final inspections, including continuity and pinout verification, as well as visual inspection for workmanship, bend radius, strain relief, and abrasion control

• Support troubleshooting and controlled rework and repair activities as directed, providing written reports on tests, modifications, rework, and non‑conformances

• Complete build documentation accurately, including travelers, serial/lot traceability, and approved redlines per process

• Maintain disciplined use of tools and test equipment in accordance with calibration and quality requirements

• Assist with documentation related to assembly, testing, and modifications to support future revisions and recorded build history

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 5 years of relevant experience, or 2 years of experience with an Associate's degree or equivalent military experience

• Demonstrated experience fabricating wire harnesses and cable assemblies from released engineering documentation

• Hands‑on experience with circular multi‑pin connectors, specifically MIL-DTL-38999 (D38999) or equivalent, including contact insertion/extraction and backshell assembly

• Proven ability to interpret and build from wiring diagrams, schematics, interconnect drawings, harness build sheets, pinout tables, work instructions, travelers, and specification callouts

• Experience performing both crimped terminations and solder sleeve/splice operations in accordance with workmanship requirements

• Proficiency using calibrated crimp tools and soldering equipment

• Experience conducting continuity, short/isolation, and pin-to-pin verification, with basic troubleshooting capability

• Familiarity with ESD controls, configuration‑controlled builds, and disciplined documentation practices

• Ability to work independently on assigned builds and elevate issues clearly and proactively

• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or demonstrated equivalent experience

• J-STD-001 certification

• Experience with additional avionics connector families (e.g., Micro‑D, D‑Sub, ARINC‑style)

• Prior work experience in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 (or equivalent) quality environment

• Experience supporting vibration‑prone or space‑constrained installations requiring disciplined routing and strain relief

• Exposure to acceptance or qualification testing support activities

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $45,000 – $65,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.

• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.

• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.

• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.

• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.

• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.

• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects

• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery

• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment

• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders

• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers