SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER- OPTICS

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD

TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.

Job Locations:

780 Salt Road

Webster, New York 14580-9709

United States

Posting City: Webster

Job Country: United States

Travel Required: 10% to 25%

Requisition ID: 159352

Workplace Type: Onsite

External Careers Page: Engineering & Technology