SR MGR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEERING

Sr. Manager, Product Development Engineer – Fiber Optic Connector & Termination Systems, Digital Data Networks (DDN) Job Overview Opportunity: Join TE Connectivity's cutting‑edge Passive Optics organization as a Product Development Engineering Manager and help pioneer the next generation of optical interconnect solutions powering AI and hyperscale computing. You'll tackle complex engineering challenges in fiber optics, working with advanced materials and precision manufacturing to create products that enable the world's most demanding data center applications. Why This Role Matters As AI workloads demand unprecedented bandwidth and reliability, optical interconnect engineering has become mission‑critical. You'll be at the forefront of solving complex technical challenges that directly enable the AI revolution while advancing TE's leadership in high‑performance optical connectivity. 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 What You'll Engineer Advanced Optical Connector Design & Development Ganged Blind Mate Systems: develop innovative fiber optic connectors featuring ganged blind mate ferrule configurations for high‑density box‑to‑box attachment and cable assemblies Mechanical Float Engineering: design sophisticated backplane mechanical float systems enabling self‑alignment of ganged ferrule arrays during blind mating operations, accounting for manufacturing tolerances Alignment Architecture: engineer precision alignment mechanisms for multi‑fiber ferrule systems, including guide pin configurations, centering features, and compliance structures for reliable blind mate engagement Performance Optimization: engineer solutions for critical optical parameters including insertion loss, return loss, backscatter and optical power management across multiple parallel optical channels Materials Engineering Float Mechanism Materials: evaluate and specify advanced polymers, elastomers, and metallic springs for mechanical float systems ensuring consistent alignment force and compliance Ferrule Materials: select precision ceramics, polymer composites, and hybrid materials optimized for ganged blind mate applications Environmental Testing: design and execute comprehensive test protocols for temperature, humidity, vibration, and mechanical stress validation of multi‑fiber connector systems Advanced Optical Concepts Array Alignment Tolerances: develop solutions managing channel‑to‑channel alignment accuracy, pitch tolerances, and angular misalignment in ganged configurations Polarization Management: develop solutions for polarization‑dependent loss (PDL), polarization mode dispersion (PMD), and state of polarization control across parallel optical channels Blind Mate Mechanism Design Float System Architecture: design mechanical float systems providing controlled compliance in X, Y, Z, and rotational axes for reliable ganged ferrule alignment Engagement Dynamics: analyze blind mate insertion forces, guide structures, and latching mechanisms for ganged connector systems Tolerance Stack Analysis: perform comprehensive tolerance analysis ensuring reliable blind mate operation across manufacturing variations and thermal cycling Alignment Feature Design: engineer precision guide pins, chamfers, and self‑centering features optimized for ganged ferrule blind mate applications Product Development & Validation Prototyping: lead rapid prototyping efforts from concept through production‑ready designs for complex ganged connector systems Testing & Characterization: develop comprehensive test methodologies for optical performance, mechanical alignment accuracy, and reliability of blind mate systems Cross‑functional Collaboration: work closely with manufacturing, quality, and product management teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) of precision ganged ferrule assemblies What Your Background Should Look Like Essential Qualifications Education: BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 13 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 6 years of experience; or equivalent experience Technical Expertise: Hands‑on experience with ganged ferrule design, mechanical float systems, and blind mate connector technologies Materials Knowledge: Understanding of optical materials, thermal properties, and mechanical behavior of polymers, ceramics, and compliance mechanisms Core Technical Competencies Ganged Connector Systems: deep expertise in multi‑channel ferrule design, array alignment, and blind mate engagement mechanisms Mechanical Float Design: experience with compliance mechanisms, spring systems, and controlled mechanical float for optical alignment Precision Manufacturing: experience with high‑precision tolerancing, precision molding, ferrule polishing, and ganged assembly processes Measurement Systems: proficiency with optical test equipment (OLTS, OTDRs, interferometers) and mechanical alignment measurement tools Modeling & Simulation: experience with finite element analysis (ANSYS, COMSOL), optical simulation software, and mechanical tolerance analysis Specialized Knowledge Areas Blind Mate Systems: multi‑channel blind mate connector design, engagement dynamics, and self‑alignment mechanisms Float Mechanisms: spring‑loaded systems, elastomeric compliance, and controlled mechanical float for optical applications Fiber Optics: single‑mode and multi‑mode fiber properties, splice loss mechanisms, and ganged connector design principles Expanded Beam Optics: non‑contact, dust‑insensitive, alignment tolerant, lensed connector approaches Thermal Analysis: thermal modeling, CTE matching, and temperature‑dependent performance of ganged systems Manufacturing Processes: injection molding, precision machining, ferrule polishing, and automated ganged assembly processes Reliability Engineering: accelerated testing, failure analysis, and statistical quality control for blind mate connector systems Professional Skills Problem Solving: creative approach to complex multi‑channel alignment challenges with systematic troubleshooting methodology Communication: ability to present technical concepts regarding ganged systems to cross‑functional teams and document detailed engineering specifications Project Management: experience managing multiple connector development projects with competing priorities and tight timelines Continuous Learning: commitment to staying current with emerging optical technologies and blind mate connector innovations Preferred Qualifications Advanced Degree: MS/PhD in Optics, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science Industry Experience: background in telecommunications, data center, or high‑speed interconnect markets with ganged connector applications Standards Knowledge: familiarity with IEC, TIA/EIA, and IEEE optical connector standards, particularly multi‑fiber specifications Programming Skills: MATLAB, Python, or other technical computing languages for tolerance analysis and system modeling Patent Experience: track record of intellectual property development in blind mate connectors and alignment mechanisms Competencies SET: Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers) Compensation Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $175,000–$262,500 (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 780 Salt Road Webster, New York 14580-9709 United States #J-18808-Ljbffr