About this 3D Harness Engineer role at Katalyst Space Technologies
Katalyst Description:
Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You’ll Do
- Own spacecraft harness design and 3D routing of spacecraft harness, translating electrical schematics and interconnect requirements into harness routing through integration and test.
- Develop detailed 3D harness routing models in SolidWorks, including cables, wires, connectors, backshells, clamps, and other harness hardware, and maintain the associated routing libraries within a PDM-managed environment.
- Create parametric 3D models of harness and interconnect components, including connectors, backshells, clamps, brackets, and other hardware. Develop accurate models from drawings, specifications, or physical hardware when existing CAD models are not available.
- Develop wire lists, connector pin maps, drawings, and harness specifications while maintaining traceability between electrical design intent, 3D routing, and manufacturing documentation.
- Define harness architectures that meet electrical and environmental requirements, including current capacity, voltage drop, grounding, bonding, shielding, EMI/EMC, thermal effects, radiation exposure, and space charging considerations.
- Work across electrical and mechanical teams to trade routing configurations and deliver reliable, testable, and cost-effective interconnect systems. Support qualification, acceptance testing, vehicle integration, troubleshooting, and design iteration.
What We’re Looking For
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
- 3+ years of professional experience with 3D CAD harness routing and hands-on CAD library management.
- Expert-level proficiency with SolidWorks, including 3D Routing, parametric part and assembly modeling, drawing detailing, and SolidWorks PDM Professional.
- Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical harness design principles, including wire and cable selection, connectorization, pin mapping, grounding, shielding, voltage drop, controlled impedance, and EMI/EMC considerations.
- Experience developing complex interconnect systems and translating wiring diagrams, schematics, and electrical requirements into complete 3D designs and manufacturing documentation.
Your Ideal Background
Preferred
- Experience designing harnesses for spacecraft, aircraft, robotics, or similarly complex aerospace or electromechanical systems.
- Working knowledge of applicable harness workmanship and design standards.
- Experience with SolidWorks Electrical Schematic and bidirectional electrical-to-mechanical design workflows.
- Strong understanding of electrical failure modes and mitigation techniques, including interference, voltage drop, thermal effects, crosstalk, grounding, bonding, and shield termination.
- Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to wire harness design , such as IPC/WHMA-A-620 and/or NASA-STD 8739.4A
- Experience automating harness design workflows using SQL, Python, or other scripting languages.
- Familiarity with radiation effects on avionics, cabling, and materials is a plus.
Additional Requirements: This role is expected to work primarily onsite in Broomfield, Colorado and may occasionally require extended hours when urgent employee, leadership, or business needs arise.
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $125,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
