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

Aptiv; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Career development resources

Referral bonus

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Aptiv Interconnect in Garden Grove, CA is seeking a Senior Cable Harness Assembler to lead complex harness builds from customer specs. You will train technicians, connect with Engineering and Quality, and drive high-precision assembly on the production floor.

The role requires hands-on expertise in complex harness assembly, soldering, and interpretation of detailed drawings, with opportunities to mentor others and support defense programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of complex cable harness assembly experience in aerospace/defense/medical manufacturing preferred.
• Strong ability to interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints; soldering background essential; potting/molding a plus.
• U.S. Person due to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform major cable harness assembly functions across the complete lifecycle.
• Mentor Level 1–3 technicians on print reading and build execution.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to drive zero‑defect manufacturing.
• Maintain 5S, ESD, and safety compliant work cells.

Skills

Cable harness assembly

Soldering

Blueprint interpretation

Leadership / mentorship

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years in aerospace/defense/medical harness assembly (preferred)

Tools

IPC/WHMA-A-620

IPC-A-610

J-STD-001 certification

Job description

We always do the right thing, the right way.

Job Title:

Senior Cable Harness Assembler

Location:

Garden Grove, CA

Department:

Production

Reports To:

Production Lead

Job Type:

Full-Time

Compensation:

$23.00 - $26.00 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 an experienced, high-precision Senior Cable Harness Assembler to serve as a technical expert and informal leader on the production floor.

In this hands-on role, your primary function will be performing all major phases of complex cable harness assembly from start to finish. You will execute complex, multi-branch, and high-density harness builds directly from customer specifications. You will extend your impact across the manufacturing floor by modeling soft skills to train lower-level associates, partnering with the Production Lead to organize daily workflow, and serving as the primary technical bridge connecting the assembly line with Engineering and Quality Control to drive zero-defect manufacturing.

Leadership & Core Responsibilities

Technical Execution & Advanced Assembly

• Perform all major functions of cable harness assembly across the complete manufacturing lifecycle, achieving mastery in:

• 0510 - Bundle: Accurate wire layout, routing, and bundling.
• 0520 - Prep: Precision cutting, stripping, and wire preparation.
• 0530 - Termination (Connectorization): Expert crimping, soldering, pinning, and connector assembly.
• 0540 - Final: Final dress, hardware installation, labeling, and pre-test finishing.
• Execution of complex, multi-branch, and high-density harness builds directly from raw customer specifications, supporting NPI, prototype development, and critical defense programs.
• Interpretation of highly complex, multi-page customer prints and dense BOMs, including the ability to proactively spot discrepancies or missing information in customer drawings.
• Advanced soldering, rework, and repair capabilities (with strict adherence to IPC/WHMA-A-620 or J-STD standards) on complex non-conforming products.

Floor Leadership, Workflow & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Model soft skills to actively train, mentor, and guide Level 1-3 technicians on print reading, blueprint interpretation, and build execution.
• Apply a deep understanding of quality control standards to identify defects against exact print requirements. Partner with Quality Control to deploy robust containment and corrective actions.
• Apply strong problem-solving skills to rapidly address and resolve complex assembly and print interpretation issues directly on the production line.
• Champion and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work cell adhering strictly to 5S principles, ESD controls, and facility safety regulations.

Position Requirements

Education & Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of complex cable harness assembly experience in an aerospace, defense, or medical manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
• Proven expertise in interpreting complex technical drawings, schematics, engineering blueprints, and regulated work instructions. Solid practical soldering background required; experience with potting, molding, and advanced cable testing is a plus.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to ITAR/EAR export control regulations.

Certifications & Competencies

• Soldering certification to J-STD-001 is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated proficiency in meeting and maintaining IPC/WHMA-A-620 and IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Written and verbal English communication skills.
• Demonstrated informal leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Acute technical troubleshooting mindset.

Compensation, Benefits & Legal

Total Rewards & Compensation

• $23.00 - $26.00 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.

EEO Statement

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.