Abstract: A system and method is provided for assembling and/or customizing a connector. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a connector that includes a plurality of removable contacts, and a connector body that can be customized to mate with a corresponding, and similarly configured connector. In one embodiment of the present invention, a contact is connected to a wire and inserted into an aperture in a retainer. The retainer is then inserted into a connector body, thereby resulting in an increase in friction between the retainer and the contact, and a backshell is attached to the connector body. At least one key is placed in at least one keyway on the connector body, resulting in a user-programmable connector. The connector is then mated with a corresponding connector that is similarly configured. The connectors are then secured using either a latch or lanyard mechanism.