CABLE DESIGN ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Cable Design Engineer means one thing in practice: owning the physical connection layer that makes complex systems work. It is a precise discipline. The role spans industries from naval shipbuilding governed by classification society rules to defense and aerospace programs where DFMEA documentation is a contractual requirement, and in each context the engineer is the person accountable for routing decisions, network integrity, and design verification. Working within cross-functional hardware programs, the Cable Design Engineer translates system requirements into validated, manufacturable cable designs that field engineers and manufacturing teams can execute without ambiguity.

As the Cable Design Engineer, you own the design and verification of cable networks and interconnection systems across complex hardware programs, from initial requirements gathering through prototype integration and design release. You will work alongside electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers within a program team structure, reporting to an engineering manager or program lead, with direct accountability to external customers and suppliers for design accuracy and schedule compliance.

Career Impact: Gaining hands-on experience across DFMEA-driven design verification and multi-discipline hardware integration positions a Cable Design Engineer as a credible technical specialist in defense, industrial, and test equipment markets where validated design experience is a documented hiring requirement.

Business Impact: When cable network designs contain errors in routing, EMC categorization, or length specifications, program schedules slip and rework costs fall directly on the engineering team, making accurate first-pass design the clearest measure of this role's value.

Growth Opportunity: The combination of RF propagation modeling, magnetics design exposure, and classification-compliant network design builds a technical portfolio that opens paths toward senior design engineering, systems architecture, or program engineering leadership within hardware-intensive industries.

• Design cable networks, connection diagrams, and routing plans that meet technical specifications and applicable regulatory or classification requirements.
• Define cable attributes including type, EMC category, length limitations, and special routing constraints for each program.
• Gather system requirements and develop detailed drawings and bills of materials for vendor fabrication and internal review.
• Develop and maintain DFMEA documentation and design verification plans in coordination with validation and program engineering teams.
• Review design deliverables against program requirements, identify risks, and establish mitigation plans before design release.
• Coordinate prototype builds and design verification activities, including experimental test planning and evaluation of test results.
• Partner with field, manufacturing, and systems engineers to incorporate implementation changes and resolve design issues throughout the program.
• Liaise with suppliers and third-party vendors to confirm design requirements are understood and deliverables are on schedule.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 4 or more years of cable, hardware, or systems design engineering experience, with demonstrated ownership of design verification activities.
• Knowledge of DFMEA processes and the ability to lead or contribute to structured design review documentation.
• Familiarity with cable signal types including power, control, and data circuits, and with connector selection and routing constraints.
• Ability to read and produce engineering drawings, interconnection diagrams, and bills of materials to industry-accepted standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently across concurrent program deliverables.

• Experience with classification society rules, military specifications, or other regulatory design frameworks applicable to the target industry segment.
• Background in RF design concepts, propagation modeling, or wireless system design for in-building or infrastructure applications.
• Exposure to magnetics design principles including transformer and inductor selection for power or signal applications.
• Proficiency in a cable management or engineering data environment used to track design attributes and release documentation.

• First-pass design acceptance rate, measuring how often cable designs are approved without rework by the customer or program team.
• DFMEA completion rate per program milestone, tracking whether design risk documentation is current at each gate review.
• Prototype build accuracy, measured by the number of engineering change orders generated during or after prototype integration.
• Design release cycle time, reflecting how efficiently cable drawings and BOMs move from requirements to approved release.
• Supplier nonconformance rate on cable deliverables, attributable to specification clarity provided by this role.
• Typical tools: Cable design and management platforms (commonly EPLAN P8 or Engineering Base); CAD and diagram tools (commonly AutoCAD or Visio)

• Base Salary Range: $75,000 to $105,000 annually, depending on seniority and industry segment.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5 to 10 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Rarely offered at this level outside publicly traded employers.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, typically employer-subsidized.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Professional development allowance, tuition reimbursement, and travel expense coverage for site visits.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Consideration for employment is extended without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Cable Design Engineer owns the full product development cycle, from designing new components and 3D modeling in Catia V5 and UG NX 11 to resolving quality issues at manufacturing plants. Working with customer, supplier, and in-house process engineering teams, the Cable Design Engineer delivers feasible, cost-efficient designs that support OEM program timelines and new model launches.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new products and improvements to existing product lines.
• Evaluate products, parts, and processes for cost efficiency and reliability.
• Oversee and direct the work of other design engineers as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering staff to ensure timely production completion.
• Develop section designs, engineering changes, and design proposals.
• Complete 3D design and 2D drawings using OEM styling information in Catia V5 or UG NX 11.
• Establish design feasibility through negotiation with customer, supplier, and in-house process engineering.
• Develop DFMEA, PFMEA, BOM, DVP&R, and associated documentation for new model development.
• Support program team in reviewing gauge concepts and gauge designs.
• Develop VAVE ideas for cost and weight reduction across new programs and designs.
• Support resolution of quality issues at manufacturing plants and implement countermeasures.
• Travel to tooling shops and OEM plants to review tooling progress and resolve customer-side issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of specialty.
• 3+ years of experience in design engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience with Catia V5 and UG NX 11 for 3D design and 2D drawing.
• 2+ years of experience with door systems, greenhouse molding, or rubber sealing preferred.
• Experience developing DFMEA, PFMEA, BOM, and DVP&R documentation for new model development.
• Experience with overall automotive and exterior component designs, including OEMs such as Nissan, Honda, VW, and GM.
• Proficiency in Catia V5 and UG NX 11 for math data and drawing release.
• Knowledge of TeamCenter or E-squared Engineering environment is a plus.
• Knowledge of B-side attaching scheme development and BOM management for engineering change control.
• Gauge knowledge and ability to review gauge concepts from suppliers is a plus.

Embedded within the wireless engineering team, the Cable Design Engineer leads system design efforts for in-building wireless deployments across assigned regions and customer programs. Working closely with carriers, subcontractors, and field engineers, this role advances reliable RF design solutions that meet customer requirements and performance standards.

Core Functions

• Lead design efforts for in-building wireless systems for assigned regions and customer programs.
• Work with customer subject-matter experts, carriers, subcontractors, and solution and deployment engineers to recommend system designs.
• Participate in site walks to determine design parameters and key performance metric criteria.
• Determine capacity, coverage, and equipment requirements for wireless systems.
• Plan and develop designs in accordance with standards to ensure system quality and meet customer requirements.
• Propose and present design solutions to customers and gain acceptance.
• Use RF tools to perform radio propagation modeling, prediction, and model tuning.
• Build 3D models using design software and utilize data analysis tools to finalize designs.
• Review design deliverables, identify risks, and define mitigation plans.
• Partner with field engineers to update designs based on changes during implementation and testing.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering or a related field, with focus in RF and cellular communications preferred.
• Minimum iBwave certification Level 2, Level 3 preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in design engineering or similar RF field work.
• Expert knowledge of wireless technologies including CDMA, EVDO, GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, LMR, and P25.
• Expert knowledge of RF design concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite, iBwave, and performance software such as TEMS, JDSU, or DataPro.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, including ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.

Reporting to senior engineering leadership, the Cable Design Engineer supports new connector and terminal product development and legacy product modifications within a growing engineering staff at Molex. Partnering with other design engineers across DFMEA, design validation, and 8D resolution activities, this role contributes to product quality outcomes and compliance with internal quality management systems.

Primary Duties

• Support other design engineers with new connector and terminal product development and legacy product modifications.
• Prepare presentation materials for internal and customer design reviews.
• Create product drawings in compliance with Molex Drawing Standards and accepted GD&T methodology.
• Prepare and follow engineering change requests per document control procedures.
• Support development of design validation plans and reports.
• Contribute to Molex TQM, Quality, and Environmental Management Systems by following approved policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent science degree.
• Previous experience in an engineering environment through internship or co-op.
• Familiarity with DFMEA development and design validation plan and report processes.
• Knowledge of GD&T methodology and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience with risk management tools such as FMEA and strong statistical analysis skills.

Sitting at the intersection of mechanical engineering and healthcare manufacturing, the Cable Design Engineer designs and develops complex mechanical systems and medical devices using ProE Creo for Gerresheimer, a global partner to the pharma and healthcare industry. Operating across product development, quality compliance, and continuous improvement functions, this role shapes devices that meet rigorous quality system requirements and serve customers in local markets worldwide.

Duties

• Design and develop complex mechanical systems using CAD software ProE Creo.
• Apply technical knowledge to innovate and develop medical devices.
• Investigate and select suitable materials and plastic resins for specific applications.
• Apply statistical methods and FEA to estimate future manufacturing requirements.
• Identify initiatives to reduce cost, improve material flow, evaluate capacity, and manage continuous improvement.
• Ensure product development documentation and manufacturing processes meet Gerresheimer Quality system requirements.
• Maintain frequent and appropriate communications with all internal and external customers.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in 3D part design within product development, preferably in medical applications or pharmaceutical primary packaging.
• Experience in mechanical design of injection-molded plastic parts and complex mechanical systems for mass production.
• Knowledge of injection molding manufacturing processes and high-speed assembly methods.
• Proficiency with CAD software ProE Creo.

A key member of the engineering team at Vishay HiRel, the Cable Design Engineer leads magnetics design for custom transformers, inductors, and coils serving military, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications. Collaborating across electrical, mechanical, thermal, and safety agency requirements, this role delivers verified component designs through prototype coordination and experimental test planning.

Technical Responsibilities

• Design custom transformers, inductors, and coils for military, medical, aerospace, industrial, and test and measurement applications.
• Work with customers to design and develop custom magnetic components.
• Provide technical leadership in electrical, mechanical, thermal, and safety agency requirements.
• Participate in and lead design reviews including the DFMEA process.
• Coordinate prototype builds and design verification activities.
• Plan, develop, and implement experimental test plans and evaluate engineering test results.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Work or academic experience in magnetics design and switch-mode power supply design.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma and SPC requirements.
• Experience with finite element analysis preferred.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills with ability to travel as required.

Reliable test equipment at KLA depends on the Cable Design Engineer, who builds new cable drawings and BOMs from requirements through prototype integration and manufacturing handoff in the Ann Arbor engineering team. Based within a cross-functional group of electrical, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing engineers, this role ensures DfX standards are met and supplier relationships are managed throughout the product development phase.

Scope of Work

• Design and create new cable drawings and BOMs for vendor fabrication and ECO release.
• Gather cable requirements and specifications and create detailed drawings and BOMs.
• Generate design review documentation, procure prototype parts, and assist in prototype system build and integration.
• Create interconnection and block diagrams as necessary.
• Install, route, and document cable and fiber optic procedures for consistency.
• Work with electrical, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure DfX considerations are addressed.
• Communicate with suppliers and internal customers to manage cable and harness vendors and resolve cabling issues.

Background and Experience

• Technical school diploma or 1+ year of relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with wire gauge, wire color, cabling signals including EMO, EPO, interlocks, AC and DC power, shielding, connectors, wire crimping, labeling, and fiber optics.
• Knowledge or experience with PLC wiring for Siemens and Allen Bradley systems.
• Safety knowledge related to working around AC and DC electrical power.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Visio, with OrCAD as a plus.
• Strong problem analysis and problem-solving capability with ability to multitask and work independently.

As the Cable Design Engineer, this role designs the ship's cable network, including cable lists, connection diagrams, and routing plans, in accordance with technical specifications and classification society rules within a shipbuilding project environment. The engineering team relies on this work to maintain building schedules, control costs, and ensure accurate data management across internal teams and external third-party suppliers.

Job Functions

• Design the ship's cable network including cable lists and plans in accordance with technical specifications and classification society rules.
• Define cable attributes and routes including type, EMC category, length limitations, and special routing requirements.
• Prepare building specifications for cable engineering.
• Input and maintain data in the cable management tool.
• Design complete connection diagrams.
• Clarify interfaces with site management, internal teams, and external third-party suppliers.
• Coordinate technical clarification with project managers and third parties for cable length optimization.
• Monitor building schedules and manage associated costs.

Professional Experience

• Completed studies in electrical engineering.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in shipbuilding.
• Knowledge of classification rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of design tools such as EPLAN P8 and Engineering Base.
• Knowledge of data storage tools including SAP and TeamCenter.
• Proficiency in German and English, both spoken and written.