The Valentino Group — Alameda, CA
Harnessing Engineer (Launch Vehicle Avionics)
The TeamOur clients Avionics team is responsible for the electrical architecture that powers and controls the launch vehicle. As a Harnessing Engineer, you'll own the design and execution of flight and test harnesses that connect avionics, sensors, power systems, and vehicle subsystems—ensuring reliability in extreme environments.
This is an end-to-end role spanning requirements definition, architecture, detailed design, first-article builds, qualification testing, and production support. Youll work closely with mechanical, thermal, electrical, integration, and manufacturing teams to deliver harness systems that are safe, lightweight, manufacturable, and flight-ready.
The OpportunityWere looking for a hands-on, highly collaborative engineer who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and is excited to build real flight hardware. Youll be a key technical owner on the vehicle program with high visibility and the ability to shape best practices as the organization scales.
What Youll DoServe as the Harness Responsible Engineer for the launch vehicle programPartner cross-functionally with Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Engineering to define harness requirements, interfaces, and system constraintsSelect materials and components (wire, connectors, backshells, shielding, strain relief, etc.) appropriate for aerospace environmentsDesign harness architecture and routing, including mechanical layout, service loops, strain relief, and EMI/EMC considerationsCreate and maintain system-level schematics, wiring diagrams, and pinoutsDraft and review manufacturing/assembly drawings and ensure alignment with production processesSupport first-article builds and transition designs into repeatable production flowsExecute and/or define test approaches including continuity, isolation, grounding, pin-to-pin verification, and troubleshootingInvestigate development and production nonconformances, drive root cause, and implement corrective actionsDocument and maintain engineering artifacts including test procedures, analysis/results, FMEAs, requirement docs, and work instructionsOperate in a hands-on environment—supporting design, build, integration, and test activities as neededWhat Were Looking For (Required)Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field5+ years of professional experience in wire harness design (aerospace, vehicles, robotics, defense, or similarly rigorous environments)3+ years using mechanical CAD tools and PLM systems; comfortable releasing production drawingsAbility to interpret and create complex wiring diagrams, schematics, and interface documentationStrong understanding of harness design and manufacturing methods (buildability, inspection, testability, and rework considerations)Experience with aerospace-grade materials/component selection and design for weight, cost, and manufacturabilityHands-on experience troubleshooting harness issues to root cause, with a corrective-action mindsetFamiliarity with one or more relevant standards, such as:
IPC/WHMA-A-620, NASA-STD-8739.4 / 8739.6, NASA-STD-6016, SAE AS22759, J-STD-001
Strong communication skills and ability to manage interfaces across multiple engineering teamsSelf-directed and comfortable solving open-ended problems with speed and rigorNice to Have (Desired Multipliers)Prior experience in aerospace or launch vehicle applicationsKnowledge of redundancy strategies for flight-critical systemsExperience designing for high vibration, vacuum, thermal cycling, and harsh EMI environmentsProficiency with Siemens NX and TeamcenterExperience with harness-specific design tools such as RapidHarnessInclusive HiringYou do not need to meet every qualification to apply. Our client values diverse perspectives and is committed to building a team with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceSan Francisco applicants will be considered in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
ITAR / Export ControlsThis position is subject to U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR. Employment is contingent upon the candidates status as a U.S. Person or ability to obtain an appropriate export license, along with required background checks and (where applicable) eligibility for government contracts or security clearance.
Skills: Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Analysis Skills, Architectural Design, Assembly Drawings, Avionics, Best Practices, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Communication Skills, Component Selection, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Wiring, Electricity, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Entrepreneurship, Identify Issues, Integration Testing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Assembly, Manufacturing Methods, Mechanical Engineering, Product Lifecycle Management, Production Support, Requirements Management, Robotics, Schematics, Siemens PLM Software NX (fka UGS NX), Systems Maintenance, Systems Reliability, Team Player, Teamcenter, Test Harness, Testability, Testing, Wire Harness
About the Company: The Valentino Group