Job Title: Wire Harness / Bench Build TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Wire Harness / Bench Build Technician builds, updates, and maintains new and retrofit electrical test benches used for software integration and validation testing of automotive electrical and infotainment systems. This role focuses on wire harness assembly, bench hardware assembly, bench testing, fixture builds, and bench repairs or modifications to support the development of innovative electric and autonomous driving technologies. The technician works on-site full-time, supports test engineers, and manages most project responsibilities, including training entry-level technicians and ensuring test benches are configured, operational, and optimized for early software integration and verification at the system and subsystem levels.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain new and existing electrical system and infotainment subsystem benches for HIL, infotainment, and electrical development testing.
- Assemble wire harnesses, including crimping, soldering, routing, and termination of wiring for test benches.
- Perform bench hardware assembly, including both mechanical and electrical components for advanced electrical test benches.
- Update and retrofit existing test benches by installing and changing out physical parts such as ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and other components.
- Create schematics for modules using ICDe and ensure they accurately reflect bench configurations.
- Work on creating harnesses for instruments and automated testing to support test and validation activities.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to bench wiring, hardware updates, and software or calibration flashing.
- Respond to user requests to set up benches according to specific testing requirements and configurations.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams and act as a liaison to resolve unresolved bench-related issues.
- Maximize runtime on all bench assets and document all work, changes, and configurations appropriately.
- Decommission obsolete and out-of-production benches, equipment, and spare parts when required.
- Verify and validate that benches are operational, properly configured, and free of hardware or instrumentation issues.
- Work with various teams to resolve bench issues quickly and ensure benches remain fully updated and operable.
- Create and update internal bench schematic lists for each module and associated tools.
- Schedule meeting notices with users and operations teams to plan bench builds, updates, and retrofits.
- Coordinate the resolution of project roadblocks by working with operations, inventory, strategy, and other supporting functions.
- Coordinate the ordering and tracking of bench technician materials, components, and supplies.
- Support test engineers as needed by constructing, maintaining, and updating advanced electrical test benches.
- Support root cause analysis for hardware issues encountered on benches and contribute to corrective actions.
- Train and support entry-level technicians by sharing knowledge, demonstrating bench build best practices, and guiding their development.
- Demonstrate flexibility by working in several departments and managing most aspects of assigned projects from start to finish.
Essential Skills
- Associate degree in Automotive Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 3+ years of experience as a technician in the automotive industry working on electrical-related parts and components such as wire harnesses and panel assemblies.
- Hands-on experience with wire harness assembly, including wiring, crimping, soldering, and harness fabrication.
- Ability to read ICDe and create, interpret, and modify electrical schematics for modules and bench configurations.
- Ability to use different toolsets and software required to access contents needed for schematics and retrofit work.
- Experience troubleshooting and supporting root cause analysis for hardware issues on electrical test benches.
- Proficient soldering skills at board level, connectors, and harnesses.
- Knowledge of various automotive connectors, terminals, locks, and crimping tools, including those commonly used in automotive environments.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience working with mechanical components involved in bench and fixture builds.
- Experience with test bench troubleshooting, not only wire harness assembly.
- Proficiency with MS Office tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint for documentation and communication.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across functions and cultures.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, manage project responsibilities, and work independently on complex bench builds and retrofits.
- Ability to work on-site full-time in a lab and test environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 2-year degree in Automotive Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field preferred, with openness to candidates without a formal degree who have strong relevant experience.
- 4+ years of experience as an electrical technician in the automotive industry, especially in wire harness and panel assembly, is preferred.
- High voltage training and familiarity with high voltage systems used in modern vehicles.
- Mechanic skills, including the ability to install and update modules and wiring on vehicles as needed.
- Experience with fixture building for test benches and related test setups.
- Understanding of Functional Safety and DVUL concepts.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with DFSS or Red X certification considered a strong plus.
- Solid understanding of the Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) or similar structured vehicle development processes.
- Experience working in environments focused on advanced electric and autonomous driving technologies.
- Comfort working across multiple departments and supporting various projects simultaneously.
Work EnvironmentThis role is fully on-site in a lab and test facility environment, with positions located in Warren and Milford. The technician works hands-on with electrical test benches, wiring, ECUs, and mechanical fixtures in a shop and laboratory setting. The work involves regular use of tools for wiring, crimping, soldering, mechanical assembly, and fixture fabrication, as well as use of software tools such as ICDe, MS Office, SharePoint, and other bench-related applications. The environment supports development of electric and autonomous driving technologies and emphasizes safety, careful handling of electrical systems, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering and operations teams. Technicians typically move between benches, vehicles, and workstations, coordinating with users and operations to build, retrofit, and maintain benches while ensuring high runtime and reliability. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI. Pay and BenefitsThe 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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Warren,MI.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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
