Draper
Sr. Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer
Draper, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Sr. Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer
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Sr. Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer
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Draper
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees tackle important national challenges with usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams work in a collaborative environment that inspires cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary 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.
Key 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.
Qualifications
5–10 years of mechanical engineering or full‑cycle mechanical design experience.
Strong understanding of applied math and physics.
Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, and other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Can balance multiple competing tasks and demands; team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience with board‑to‑board interconnects, flex circuits, or miniaturized connectors is preferred.
Knowledge of system integration, assembly procedures, and test validation.
Ability to lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and provide cross‑functional technical guidance.
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Education Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Master’s degree is preferred.
Job Location Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563
Compensation US base salary range: $82,300.00 – $205,750.00. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
EEO Statement Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.
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Sr. Cable Harness and Interconnect Design Engineer
role at
Draper
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees tackle important national challenges with usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams work in a collaborative environment that inspires cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary 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.
Key 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.
Qualifications
5–10 years of mechanical engineering or full‑cycle mechanical design experience.
Strong understanding of applied math and physics.
Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, and other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Can balance multiple competing tasks and demands; team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience with board‑to‑board interconnects, flex circuits, or miniaturized connectors is preferred.
Knowledge of system integration, assembly procedures, and test validation.
Ability to lead design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and provide cross‑functional technical guidance.
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Education Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Master’s degree is preferred.
Job Location Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563
Compensation US base salary range: $82,300.00 – $205,750.00. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
EEO Statement Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.
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