SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.

Job Description:

Job Overview

The Opportunity:
Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and help design the next generation of precision optical connector systems powering AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. You'll solve complex mechanical engineering challenges in sub-micron precision design, working with advanced materials to create products that enable the world's most demanding optical interconnect applications.
Why This Role Matters:
As AI workloads demand unprecedented reliability and performance, precision mechanical design of optical connectors has become mission-critical. You'll be at the forefront of solving complex mechanical challenges involving metals, plastics, and innovative latching mechanisms that directly enable the optical revolution while advancing TE's leadership in high-performance connectivity solutions.

Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIC) upon completion.

Job Requirements

Precision Mechanical Design & Development

• Connector System Architecture: Design innovative passive optical connector assemblies with sub-micron alignment precision for fiber-to-PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) applications
• Tolerance Engineering: Develop sub-micron tolerance control strategies ensuring optimal mechanical and optical performance across temperature ranges and environmental conditions
• Performance Optimization: Engineer solutions for critical mechanical parameters including connector durability, insertion/withdrawal forces, and long-term stability

Materials & Structural Engineering

• Materials Selection: Evaluate and specify advanced metals and engineering plastics for precision optical connector applications with focus on dimensional stability and wear resistance
• Compliant Structures: Design innovative compliant mechanisms for connector alignment, engagement, and stress relief while maintaining optical precision
• Mechanical Validation: Design and execute comprehensive test protocols for static and dynamic loading, fatigue resistance, and environmental stress validation

Advanced Mechanical Concepts

• Latching Mechanisms: Develop innovative latching and retention systems optimized for connector reliability, user experience, and manufacturing efficiency
• Strain Relief Design: Engineer strain relief solutions that protect fiber optics under mechanical stress while maintaining connector alignment precision
• Load Analysis: Perform static and dynamic stress analysis on connector assemblies, including finite element modeling of complex loading scenarios
• Precision Assembly: Design connector systems for automated assembly processes while maintaining sub-micron alignment tolerances

Product Development & Manufacturing

• Prototyping: Lead rapid prototyping efforts from concept through production-ready mechanical designs using advanced manufacturing techniques
• Testing & Characterization: Develop comprehensive mechanical test methodologies for connector performance, durability, and manufacturing quality control
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with optical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and optical performance

What your background should look like

• Education: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field
• Experience: a minimum of 5 years in precision mechanical design, preferably in connector or optical systems; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without work experience
• Materials Expertise: Hands-on experience with metals and engineering plastics in precision applications
• Design Tools: Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and finite element analysis tools

Core Technical Competencies

• Precision Engineering: Deep understanding of sub-micron tolerancing, statistical tolerance analysis, and precision manufacturing processes
• Structural Mechanics: Experience with compliant structures, spring mechanisms, and dynamic loading analysis of small-scale mechanical systems
• Materials Science: Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, creep, and long-term stability of metals and polymers
• Testing & Validation: Proficiency with mechanical test equipment, load testing, and statistical quality control methods

Specialized Knowledge Areas

• Connector Design: Experience with latching mechanisms, strain relief systems, and connector assembly processes
• Static/Dynamic Analysis: Expertise in stress analysis, fatigue life prediction, and mechanical reliability engineering
• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of injection molding, precision machining, and assembly automation for small-scale components
• Quality Systems: Understanding of tolerance control, process capability studies, and Design for Six Sigma methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Industry Experience: Background in optical connectors, precision instruments, or telecommunications hardware
• Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with connector industry standards (IEC, Telcordia) and environmental testing protocols
• Simulation Skills: Experience with ANSYS, COMSOL, or other advanced FEA/simulation software
• Patent Experience: Track record of mechanical design innovation and intellectual property development.

Competencies

SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)

COMPENSATION

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $115,400 – $173,100 (subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
• Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits

BENEFITS

• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.

EOE, Including Disability/Vets

Job Locations:

Posting City: Webster

Job Country: United States

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Workplace Type: Onsite

External Careers Page: Engineering & Technology