Sr. Harness Technician

Astrolab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

Astrolab, based in Hawthorne, California, seeks an experienced Sr. Harness Technician with expertise in wire harness fabrication, integration, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards. The role reports to the Director of Production and Test and supports mission-critical aerospace builds.

You will read engineering drawings, terminate complex harnesses, mentor junior technicians, and ensure IPC workmanship across prototype and flight hardware in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aerospace wire harness/cable assembly.
• Experience with MIL-SPEC components and aerospace wiring.
• Crimping, soldering, and wire termination expertise.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams and engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, route, and terminate complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies based on drawings and IPC-620 standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and build documentation with minimal supervision.
• Perform crimping, soldering, splicing, and potting; apply shielding as needed.
• Inspect and test to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 workmanship standards.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues across prototype and flight hardware.
• Lead or assist harness integration on testbeds and vehicles.
• Collaborate with engineers on design feedback and process improvements.
• Create or review work instructions and routing documentation.
• Mentor junior technicians on best practices and safety.

Skills

Wire harness fabrication

Schematic interpretation

Quality standards

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 certification (preferred)

Tools

Soldering equipment

Crimping tools

HiPot testers

Aerospace wiring practices

Job description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

Department

Production & Test

Location

Hawthorne, California

Compensation

$40.00 - $50.00 / hour

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Sr. Harness Technician with demonstrated expertise in wire harness fabrication, integration, and testing in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards. The ideal candidate has a strong background in aerospace‑grade harness builds, familiarity with system‑level routing, and can provide technical guidance to junior team members. This person will report to the Director of Production and Test.

What you’ll do

• Fabricate, route, and terminate complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies based on engineering drawings and IPC-620 standards
• Read and interpret detailed blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and build documentation with minimal supervision
• Perform advanced crimping, soldering (solder cup/Nano-D), splicing, and potting techniques; apply shielding, braiding, and overmolding when required
• Conduct detailed inspections and functional tests, ensuring compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 workmanship standards
• Troubleshoot electrical issues, continuity faults, and connector mismatches across prototype and flight hardware
• Lead or assist with harness integration on testbeds, vehicles, and electromechanical assemblies
• Collaborate with engineers and production teams on design feedback and continuous process improvements
• Create or review work instructions, inspection criteria, and harness routing documentation
• Mentor junior technicians on best practices, tool usage, and quality standards
• Maintain strict adherence to ESD protocols, safety procedures, and cleanliness requirements in a fast-paced R&D environment

What you’ll bring

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in wire harness/cable assembly in aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability manufacturing environments
• Experience working with MIL‑SPEC components and aerospace wiring practices
• Experience with crimping, soldering, and wire termination
• Experience using continuity testing equipment
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and work instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or spaceflight wire harness assembly
• Experience using automated crimping equipment and hipot testers
• Experience with high‑reliability termination techniques
• Experience working in prototype or low-volume production environments
• Experience troubleshooting complex electrical assemblies with minimal supervision
• Certification in IPC/WHMA-A-620 is preferred. Willing to pursue recertification if needed
• Experience collaborating with engineering and quality teams to resolve manufacturing issues
• Familiarity with redlined drawings, engineering change orders (ECOs), and controlled documentation
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality work
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced, prototype‑focused environment
• Experience contributing to process improvements or standard work documentation

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical trade school certificate or associate degree preferred
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 certification (preferred, or willingness to pursue)
• J-STD-001 certification is a plus
• Familiarity with NASA-STD-8739.x is also desirable

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Standing, bending, and working with small components for extended periods

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best‑in‑class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on‑site
• Once a month social hour on‑site with food and drinks