Mechanical Engineer

Position:
Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms Focus)

Location:

Raleigh, NC

Amphenol High Speed Products Group is the market leader for high speed, high
bandwidth electrical connectors for the Telecom/Datacom market (Mobile Networks,
Storage, Servers, Routers, Switches, etc.). Our products help to enable the
electronics revolution and remain a key enabler for all the major Tier 1 OEMs
globally. Our team in Raleigh, NC is looking for a Mechanical Engineer. The
Mechanical Engineer would be the technical expert specializing in the design and
development of alignment mechanisms that ensure reliable connections in end use
applications.

The Mechanical Engineer will provide technical expertise in the design,
development, and manufacturing of connector mechanisms, with a focus on creating
robust systems that guide connectors together even in misaligned customer
applications. This role involves working with metal components including guide
pins, bearings, springs, levers and other mechanical elements. In this
cross-functional position, they will execute the technical aspects of the
organization's strategic plans, serve as a technical liaison for sales and
marketing teams, and provide guidance to engineers and support personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and develop mechanisms for connector alignment, including guide pins,
bearings, springs and structural components made from steel and aluminum,
ensuring reliability under misalignment conditions and performing failure
analysis on defects from customer applications and manufacturing processes.
Integrate new technologies, innovative manufacturing methods, and
cost-effective initiatives into mechanism designs, supporting new product
releases with a strong emphasis on material properties and surface finishes.
Manage product-related documentation and specifications at the component
level, including manufacturing processes and field performance, while
maintaining the integrity of mechanism designs.
Serve as the customer focal point for technical information on mechanisms,
in-field applications, and guidance related to alignment performance and
material durability.
Collaborate with internal and external suppliers and manufacturing personnel
to develop and validate mechanism prototypes through pilot production,
interfacing with customers to test misalignment tolerance.
Oversee the successful transition of mechanisms and processes from new
product introduction (NPI) phase to volume manufacturing in low-cost regions,
regularly interfacing with NPI and manufacturing engineering groups at global
facilities.
Provide technical assistance to drafters, designers, engineers, and support
personnel to ensure accurate implementation of mechanism designs.
Support the product design effort by conducting tolerance analysis, finite
element analysis (FEA), material evaluations, and failure analysis specifically
for mechanical mechanisms involving bearings, pins, and metallic components.
Lead efforts in identifying new or alternative materials (e.g., advanced
steels, aluminums, or coatings) and benchmarking them, while participating in
the development of innovative manufacturing techniques for mechanism components.
Actively collaborate with product designers on design reviews, component
testing, qualification, and introduction of new mechanisms, including
derivatives that address market demands for improved alignment and durability;
participate in quality investigations to ensure mechanism specifications are
met.
Participate in fixture design and create/manage test plans to support the
NPI process, with a focus on simulating misalignment scenarios and evaluating
surface finish impacts.
Identify and facilitate project initiatives such as cost improvements,
quality enhancements, and performance benchmarking for connector mechanisms.

QUALIFICATIONS:

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in mechanism
design and kinematics.
Proficiency with solid modeling tools (e.g., Pro/E or similar) and FEA
tools; experience with simulation software for mechanical systems is a plus.
Deep understanding of materials, including steel, aluminum, and their
surface finishes, as well as knowledge of bearings and guide pins.
Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical
stakeholders.
Experience working in a dynamic team environment.
Desire to innovate in mechanism design for connector products and processes.
Knowledge of copper alloys and high-performance engineering thermoplastics
is a plus.
Basic understanding of electrical connectors and their mechanical
integration.