Lead Cable Development Engineer - Hands-On, Onsite

Samtec Inc; Wilsonville (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Samtec, Inc in Wilsonville, Oregon is seeking an Engineering Specialist for our New Ventures cable development team. This hands-on, on-site role focuses on driving innovation in high-speed cable products and processes, with responsibilities spanning concept to production readiness.

You will collaborate across engineering lanes, perform trials, analyze data, and contribute to new enabling technologies while mentoring technicians, aligning with product roadmaps and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a cable development and manufacturing environment.
• Extensive knowledge within engineering disciplines in cable manufacturing (process, controls, mechanical, product).
• Ability to interpret and create technical documentation including drawings and reports.
• Ability to work independently, as a team member, and as an internal consultant.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts.
• Strong initiative to identify and solve technical challenges.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with CAD and data analysis software is a plus.
• Must be able to sit/stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Support development and introduction of new high-performance cable products and processes from concept to production readiness.
• Design and execute engineering trials to evaluate new materials, processes, and cable constructions.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for high-speed extrusion, shielding, braiding, and jacketing operations.
• Collaborate with design engineers, manufacturing teams, and QA to ensure product performance meets specs.
• Analyze lab and production data to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and improve reliability.
• Support prototyping, material selection, and process validation during early-stage R&D.
• Document technical findings and contribute to internal knowledge bases and design guides.
• Interface with suppliers and industry experts to coordinate development efforts.
• Develop test plans, qualification protocols, and product specifications per industry standards.
• Stay current with industry trends and new materials relevant to cable design and processing.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to Engineering Technicians and technical operations associates.

Skills

Independence

Collaboration

Problem-solving

CAD experience

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline

Tools

CAD

Data analysis software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Samtec, Inc in Wilsonville, Oregon is seeking an Engineering Specialist for our New Ventures cable development team. This hands-on, on-site role focuses on driving innovation in high-speed cable products and processes, with responsibilities spanning concept to production readiness.

You will collaborate across engineering lanes, perform trials, analyze data, and contribute to new enabling technologies while mentoring technicians, aligning with product roadmaps and industry standards.