Sr. Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer

Draper Laboratory • Cambridge, MA

79d • $82,300 - $205,750

About The Position

Draper is seeking a seasoned Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer who will play a key role in the early stages of complex programs; developing rugged, high reliability interconnect solutions that enable mission critical systems to perform in the most demanding environments. This includes the design and development of wiring harnesses, cabling, and connector systems that support RF and other sensitive signals, as well as board-to-board and system level interconnects. You'll join a highly collaborative mechanical design team that owns the full product lifecycle, from concept and trade studies through prototyping, testing, and final delivery. Your work will directly contribute to systems used in defense, space, and autonomous platforms where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field.
• Requires 5-10 years in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience.
• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Team player able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with board-to-board interconnects, flex circuits, or miniaturized connectors.
• Knowledge of system integration, assembly procedures, and test validation.
• Ability to lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and provide cross functional technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high reliability cable harnesses, interconnects, and connector assemblies for ruggedized systems and harsh environments (high-g, vibration, temperature extremes).
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to define requirements and ensure design compatibility across disciplines.
• Apply knowledge of MIL-STD connectors, IPC Class 2 & 3 cable/connector standards, and relevant industry specifications.
• Perform trade studies, tolerance analyses, and material selection to optimize reliability and performance.
• Generate detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and documentation to support manufacturing and assembly.
• Collaborate with production teams and suppliers to validate designs, support builds, and resolve non-conformances.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts to advance interconnect design processes and tooling.
• Perform mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping, and testing with some guidance.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Plan and execute complex electro-mechanical design from the ideation stage through hardware fabrication and testing, including trade study, concept down select, and detailed design phases.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Work-life balance programs including workplace flexibility, employee clubs, health and finance workshops, off site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees