Principal Fiber Optic Connector Engineer; Eden Prairie, MN

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.

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.

• 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 meet their needs
• Provide advanced application and technical support to strategic customers

• 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

• 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…