Proto@type Technician

Job Title: Wire Harness TechnicianJob Description

The Wire Harness Technician will play a pivotal role in launching the first in-house wire harness manufacturing initiative. This position is responsible for building wire harnesses for production and pilot programs, developing a quality control and testing process, and supporting Engineering, Quality, and Electrical teams during prototype and validation activities.

Responsibilities

• Build wire harnesses for VOG/harness stock outs, market fills, and production needs.

• Produce and modify prototype harnesses for pilot vehicles, validations, and engineering evaluations.

• Interpret and work from wiring diagrams, schematics, and build instructions.

• Crimp, strip, route, tape, terminate, and test 12V harnesses using industry-standard tools and techniques.

• Validate fit, form, and function of harnesses in vehicle applications.

• Work with Quality and Engineering teams to develop an end-to-end quality control process.

• Establish testing methods such as continuity, load testing, and pin checks.

• Document inspection standards for harness builds and implement test fixtures or jigs for repeatable quality.

• Maintain accurate build records, test logs, and traceability documentation.

• Assist in developing workflows for the new harness build cell.

• Perform time studies, cost analyses, and process evaluations.

• Compare cost of in-house production versus supplier outsourcing and provide recommendations.

• Identify efficiency opportunities and implement continuous improvement changes.

• Maintain 5S standards in the harness area, ensuring organization, cleanliness, and tool management.

• Collaborate with the Electrical Team to balance administrative and technical workloads.

• Support Engineering and Quality with component evaluations, root-cause investigations, or supplier discussions as needed.

• Participate in pilot builds, engineering reviews, and production readiness activities.

• Share build insights and improvements as harness production scales.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience building wire harnesses (12V automotive, upfitting, or similar).

• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, and work instructions.

• Experience with harness testing and quality control, including continuity checks and test fixtures.

• Understanding of automotive electrical systems, 12V circuits, lighting, alarms, and related components.

• Strong documentation skills for test procedures, build logs, and time/cost studies.

• Ability to work independently in a pilot/learning environment and adapt as processes evolve.

• Familiarity with basic manufacturing tools such as crimpers, cutters, and stripping tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing a new manufacturing process or launching a new product line.

• Understanding of lean manufacturing & continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience building prototype harnesses or pilot-phase components.

• Exposure to supplier cost comparisons or make-versus-buy analysis.

• Knowledge of upfitting or vehicle modification operations.

• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams.

Work Environment

This role involves working in a newly established harness cell, helping set up workflow, quality checks, and layout. The environment is hands-on, including crimping, routing, assembly, testing, and documentation. There will be collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Electrical teams in a startup-like setting within a manufacturing context, requiring flexibility, problem-solving, and experimentation. The technician will support both production needs and prototype/pilot builds for new vehicle programs while following and maintaining 5S and safe work practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Adrian, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

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 Adrian,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 13, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.