Principal Fiber Optic Connector Engineer

Your Job

Molex is seeking an innovative Principal Mechanical Engineer with strong fiber connectivity experience to join our R&D team. This team is responsible for the conceptualization of industry leading fiber optic connectors on 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. As part of Koch Industries, Molex fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and transformative technology development across global markets.

What You Will Do

• Lead the technology selection for next generation fiber optic connectors
• Explore new materials & manufacturing technologies to enable the next generation of fiber optic connectors
• Trial and optimize quick-turn design & analysis tools, disseminating knowledge and developing best practices to support data-driven product development
• Utilize rapid prototyping methods to create Proof of Concept (POC) prototypes
• Clearly document POC results for sharing to internal teams and for presentation to customers
• Lead industry engagement on fiber optic connector standards
• Collaborate with the manufacturing NPI teams to develop cost-competitive and creative concepts. Ensure designs are efficient to manufacture while meeting our high-performance market requirements
• Interface with cross functional team members in signal integrity, manufacturing integration, product management, sales, state of the art test laboratories, on-premise model shop, and leadership teams
• Facilitate knowledge sharing within and between cross functional teams via digital tools and interpersonal relationships
• Create relationships with senior leadership, cross functional team members and peers through team building activities and growth opportunities operating as One Molex Team
• Engage with external customers to develop next generation solutions that meets their needs
• Provide advanced application and technical support to strategic customers

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field
• 15+ years experience in fiber optic connector design and development with proven technical leadership
• Track record of leading fiber connector technology roadmaps
• Strong understanding of MPO / MMC / Lensed Connectors
• Experience defining, executing, and interpreting design validation plans & reports (DVP&R)
• Familiarity with defining and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Demonstrated utilization of statistical Tolerance Analyses
• Design experience with high-volume products manufactured using a subset of the following processes: progressive die stamping, injection molding, die casting, insert molding, automated assembly
• Proven track record of developing innovative solutions
• 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

• 15+ years experience in electro-mechanical product design and development with proven technical leadership
• Design experience with standard fiber connectors (MPO, MMC, LC) as well as lensed connectors (EBO)
• Familiarity with correlating simulated results to measured test results
• Experience with advanced parametric 3D CAD systems (NX, Creo, Solidworks, CATIA, etc.)
• Knowledge of regulatory agency testing requirements (UL, CSA, EIA, etc.)
• Good understanding and practical knowledge of Six Sigma quality development tools and principles (DOE, FMEA, etc.)
• Expert in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and concepts within industry
• Experience with design & analysis of compliant mechanisms
• Understanding and application of sound project management techniques managing projects to timelines, due dates and deadlines
• History of working within an international organization and/or working with international suppliers & team members
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Minitab

For this role, we anticipate paying $150,000 - $200,000 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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