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:

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.

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

• 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 (Solid Works, 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…