Sr. Harness Technician
Department: Production & Test
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Clint Ross
Compensation: $40.00 - $50.00 / hour
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.
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
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience working with MIL-SPEC components and aerospace wiring practices
- Experience with crimping, soldering, and wire termination
- Experience using continuity testing equipment
- Experience reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and work instructions
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
- Experience collaborating with engineering and quality teams to resolve manufacturing issues
- Experience with redlined drawings, engineering change orders (ECOs), and controlled documentation
- Technical trade school certificate or associates degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or related field
- J-STD-001 certification
- Experience with NASA-STD-8739.x
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
