Principal Mechanical Engineer

Your Job

Molex is seeking an innovative Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team. This team is responsible for the conceptualization of industry leading fiber optic systems in rapidly growing markets in cloud computing, AI, and hyperscale applications. Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals who thrive in an environment of constant learning and innovation. A successful applicant will have the ability to appropriately plan and see assignments through to completion with minimal direction, provide leadership to other team members; develop timing, meet project schedules, manage risks, and systematically solve problems of a complex scope.

Our Team

Molex's Optical Connectivity Group is at the forefront of designing and delivering cutting-edge optical solutions that power data centers, telecom infrastructure, and next-gen computing. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and transformative technology development across global markets.

What You Will Do

• Lead new product development projects from Concept through Design, Development, Testing, and Industrialization while following the Molex Product Development Process
• Engage with external customers to develop next generation fiber solutions for Data Center Markets
• Utilize rapid prototyping methods to create Proof of Concept (POC) prototypes
• Document and communicate POC results in technical reports for sharing with internal teams and key customers
• Collaborate directly with patent attorneys and agents to draft and review patent applications, ensuring technical accuracy of claims and descriptions
• Trial and optimize quick-turn design & analysis tools, disseminating knowledge and developing best practices to support data-driven product development
• Explore new materials & manufacturing technologies to enable the next generation of high-performance fiber solutions

• Collaborate with manufacturing to develop cost-competitive products and ensure designs are efficient to manufacture by applying DFM/DFA principles
• Interface with cross-functional team members in product management, manufacturing, quality, sales, and leadership during all phases of new product development and in support of existing products
• Gain and apply comprehensive understanding of fiber optic products, installation, and test methods to all new product development projects

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field

• 10+ years of technical experience conducting new product development
• Proven design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, insert molding, sheet-metal forming, machining, extrusion)
• Expert in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) analysis

• Experience with parametric solid modeling (NX, Creo, SolidWorks)
• Familiarity with defining, applying, and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Experience defining, executing, and interpreting product test plans & reports
• Desire to learn, be challenged and interact in a cross-functional team environment
• A demonstrated ability to learn quickly and make logical, data-based decisions when presented with novel tasks and requirements

What Will Put You Ahead

• Understanding of optical connectors, cables, assemblies, and solutions
• Knowledge of regulatory agency testing requirements (UL, CSA, EIA)
• Knowledge of industry standards (IEEE, TIA, IEC, Telcordia)
• Good understanding and practical knowledge of Six Sigma quality development tools and principles (DOE, Pugh Matrix, FMEA, VOC)
• Experience with design & analysis of compliant mechanisms
• Strong computer skills and adaptability to emerging technologies, including AI
• Sound understanding of project management techniques helping manage projects to timelines, due dates and deadlines
• History of working within an international organization and/or working with international suppliers & team members

For this role, we anticipate paying $150,000 - $185,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are


As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.


Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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