Wire Harness/ Bench Build Technician

Job Title: Wire Harness / Bench Build Technician

Job Description

The Wire Harness / Bench Build Technician constructs, updates, and maintains advanced electrical and infotainment test benches used for software integration and validation of automotive systems. This role focuses on building new and retrofit electrical test benches, assembling wire harnesses and bench hardware, performing testing and fixture builds, and executing repairs and modifications to support the development of innovative electric and autonomous driving technologies. The technician works on-site full-time in a lab environment, managing most project responsibilities, collaborating across departments, and helping train entry-level technicians.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain new and existing electrical system and infotainment subsystem test benches for HIL, infotainment, and electrical development.

• Assemble wire harnesses, including crimping, soldering, and connector installation, for instruments and automated testing applications.

• Perform bench hardware assembly of mechanical and electrical components, including panels, fixtures, and related structures.

• Update and change physical parts on benches, such as ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and other components, to support new test requirements and retrofits.

• Create, read, and modify electrical schematics using ICDe and other tools required for bench builds, retrofits, and instrumentation updates.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to bench wiring, hardware updates, and software or calibration flashing to ensure reliable operation.

• Support test engineers by setting up benches according to specific testing requirements and responding promptly to user requests.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and act as a liaison for unresolved bench or hardware issues, ensuring timely resolution.

• Maximize runtime and availability of all bench assets, document work thoroughly, and maintain accurate records of configurations and changes.

• Decommission obsolete and out-of-production benches, equipment, and spare parts as necessary, following established processes.

• Verify and validate that benches are fully operational and correctly configured, with no hardware or instrumentation issues before testing.

• Work closely with teams to quickly resolve bench issues and ensure all benches are updated, functional, and ready for use.

• Create and maintain an internal list of bench schematics for each module and tool, keeping documentation current and accessible.

• Schedule meeting notices with users and operations teams to coordinate bench builds, updates, and retrofits.

• Identify and coordinate resolution of roadblocks related to operations, inventory, strategy, or materials to keep projects on track.

• Coordinate ordering and tracking of bench technician materials, components, and tools required for builds and repairs.

• Support root cause analysis for hardware issues on benches and related systems, contributing to corrective actions.

• Perform fixture building for test setups, including fabrication and assembly of mechanical fixtures and supports.

• Use mechanical and automotive skills to install or update modules and wiring on vehicles when required.

• Train and mentor entry-level technicians, sharing knowledge of bench construction, wiring practices, and troubleshooting methods.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 3 or more years of experience as a technician in the automotive industry working on electrical-related parts and components such as wire harnesses and panel assemblies.

• Ability to read, create, and modify electrical schematics using ICDe.

• Ability to work with various toolsets required to access content for schematics, retrofits, and bench configurations.

• Hands-on experience in wire harness assembly, including crimping, soldering, and bench building.

• Soldering skills at board level, connectors, and harnesses.

• Experience troubleshooting and supporting root cause analysis for hardware issues on test benches or similar electrical systems.

• Knowledge of automotive connectors, terminals, locks, and crimping tools used in modern vehicle electrical systems.

• Proficiency with basic technical software tools such as MS Office (Word, Excel), SharePoint, and Outlook.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions and cultures.

• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with automotive components and fixtures.

• Experience working in a test lab setting and troubleshooting test benches.

• Ability to fabricate and build fixtures for test setups.

• Ability to work safely with high-voltage systems when trained and authorized.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two-year degree or technical diploma in Automotive Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field is preferred, but candidates without degrees are also considered.

• Formal training in high-voltage systems is a plus.

• General mechanic skills, including the ability to install or update modules and wiring on vehicles, are advantageous.

• Experience with fixture building for test and validation environments.

• Four or more years of experience as an electrical technician in the automotive industry, particularly with wire harnesses and panel assemblies, provides a competitive edge.

• Understanding of Functional Safety and DVUL processes is preferred.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with DFSS or Red X certification considered an asset.

• Solid understanding of the Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) is beneficial.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Warren,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.