Job Description
Position Summary
The Electrical Technician supports product development and prototype vehicle builds by fabricating, installing, testing, and troubleshooting electrical systems, wiring harnesses, and instrumentation. This role bridges engineering design and physical hardware, translating schematics and harness drawings into functional electrical installations for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and development vehicles. The Electrical Technician also supports instrumentation setup for vehicle testing and data acquisition.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Fabricate prototype wiring harnesses from engineering schematics and harness drawings, including wire cutting, terminal crimping, connector assembly, and harness taping/braiding.
- Install wiring harnesses, electrical components, and HV/LV hardware on prototype vehicles, ensuring proper routing, securing, and connection per engineering direction.
- Perform continuity checks, insulation resistance testing, and functional verification of installed electrical systems before vehicle power-up.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical faults on prototype vehicles using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic scan tools.
- Support high-voltage system assembly and checkout procedures, following HV safety protocols including lockout/tagout and PPE requirements.
- Install and configure test instrumentation including strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, and data acquisition hardware on prototype vehicles.
- Assist in CAN bus and vehicle network troubleshooting, including signal verification and connector integrity checks.
- Fabricate brackets, cable trays, and mounting hardware as needed to support prototype electrical installations.
- Maintain accurate build records, red-line drawings, and deviation logs to document as-built conditions for engineering feedback.
- Support engineering root cause investigations by isolating and reproducing electrical failures, and implementing engineering-directed rework.
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics, or equivalent military/technical training.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in electrical fabrication, harness build, or vehicle electrical systems.
- Familiarity with CAN bus diagnostics and vehicle network architectures.
- Proficiency with hand tools, crimping tools, soldering equipment, and wire preparation tools.
- Ability to read and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness drawings.
- Experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, and basic electrical test equipment.
- Familiarity with wire termination standards (crimping, soldering, ultrasonic welding) and workmanship inspection criteria.
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-voltage vehicle systems (400V+ DC) and associated safety protocols.
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or equivalent wire harness workmanship training.
- Experience with data acquisition systems (DEWESoft, HBM, National Instruments, or similar).
- Military MOS-equivalent electrical training (e.g., 91D, 94E, or Navy FC/ET rating).
Working Conditions
- Prototype shop environment: standing, bending, working in and around vehicles for extended periods.
- Exposure to noise, chemicals, and industrial hazards typical of a prototype/manufacturing shop.
- May require lifting up to 50 lbs and working in confined spaces within vehicle hulls.
- Standard shop hours with occasional overtime to support build schedules and test deadlines.
ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.