Product Design Engineer - Cable & Harness (NPI)

Conax Technologies; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 103,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Conax Technologies in Tempe, AZ is seeking an experienced engineer to drive new product development of cable and wire harness assemblies, translating customer requirements into manufacturable designs and leading NPI programs.

You will launch production at the Phoenix facility, validate drawings and BOMs, improve DFMA, collaborate with Sales, Manufacturing, and Quality, and ensure on-schedule delivery.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years designing cable and wire harness assemblies.
• Experience supporting Aerospace and Power/Industrial applications.
• Proven success leading or supporting NPI programs.
• Experience transferring products into production and supporting launch activities.
• Strong proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD systems.
• Working knowledge of Design and Process FMEA methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Drive new product development for cable and wire harness assemblies.
• Lead production launches for new programs at the Tempe Phoenix facility and coordinate with Buffalo HQ.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop assembly processes, routing, fixtures, and tooling.
• Establish inspection and quality verification methods and drive root-cause analysis for issues.
• Collaborate with Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, Materials, and Operations to ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical thinking

Communication

Customer focus

Initiative

Accountability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

2D/3D CAD tools

DFMEA

DFMA software

Job description

Job Details Job Location: CTA - Tempe, AZ 85282 Position Type: Full-Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Salary Range: $103,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary/year Travel Percentage: Up to 20% Job Shift: Day Job Category: Engineering

What You'll Do

Drive New Product Development

• Design and develop cable and wire harness assemblies that meet customer specifications, performance requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Define the fit, form, and function of cable assemblies and related mechanical components.
• Translate customer requirements into manufacturable product designs during New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• Research, analyze, test, and improve products, components, and processes to drive innovation and performance.

Lead Production Launches

• Serve as the engineering lead for new program launches at the Phoenix facility, including programs originating from Conax's Buffalo headquarters.
• Validate engineering drawings, BOMs, design intent, and manufacturing readiness.
• Identify and resolve Design for Manufacturing (DFM) opportunities during site transfers and production ramp-up activities.
• Requalify tooling, fixtures, and work instructions to ensure successful production deployment.

Enhance Manufacturing & Quality

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop assembly processes, routing instructions, fixtures, and tooling requirements.
• Establish inspection and quality verification methods for cable and harness assemblies.
• Investigate quality issues and lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to design or process performance.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles, including tolerance stack-up analysis.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Work closely with Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, Materials, and Operations teams to ensure successful product development and delivery.
• Engage with customers to develop technical requirements and identify optimal design solutions.
• Manage Engineering Change Notices (ECN) and Engineering Change Orders (ECO) throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create and maintain technical documentation within the Conax Technologies Wiki.

Qualifications

What Makes You Successful

You are an engineer who enjoys both the technical and practical sides of product development. You can move seamlessly between CAD design, customer discussions, manufacturing support, and problem-solving on the production floor.

Key Competencies

• Adaptability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Customer focus
• Initiative and resourcefulness
• Persistence and accountability
• Collaborative team mindset

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Required Experience

• 5-8 years of experience designing cable and wire harness assemblies.
• Experience supporting Aerospace and Power/Industrial applications.
• Proven success leading or supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• Experience transferring products into production and supporting launch activities.
• Strong proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD systems.
• Working knowledge of Design and Process FMEA methodologies.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

• IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards
• AS9100 quality systems
• J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 workmanship standards
• Harness-specific design software
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Strength of Materials and Mechanical Design Analysis
• Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA)

Work Environment

This role combines office-based engineering work with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor. The position requires collaboration with production teams, participation in product builds and launches, and occasional lifting of equipment and materials.

Why Join Conax Technologies?

• Integrity
• Commitment
• Innovative Thinking
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork

Salary ranges for this position vary by job location and are determined based on experience, reflecting our commitment to recognizing individual expertise and contributions.

Successful Candidate must be able to meet U.S. export control requirements (ITAR/EAR) to gain access to technical data. This position requires access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control regulations. Candidates must be eligible for employment in the US and meet the requirements of ITAR.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on any legally protected status. Qualified applicants will receive consideration based on merit and business needs, and reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive, and duties or requirements may change as business needs evolve. Employment is at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the company at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.