Manufacturing & Process Development Engineer II

Job Overview

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world. Join TE Connectivity's industry-leading Passive Optics organization as a Manufacturing Process Development Engineer and drive manufacturing excellence in optical connector termination processes. You'll tackle complex manufacturing challenges in high‑precision fiber optic termination, working with advanced production technologies and lean manufacturing principles to optimize both internal operations and external contract manufacturing partnerships that enable the world's most demanding optical connectivity applications.

As optical interconnect demand accelerates across AI, hyperscale computing, and 5G infrastructure, manufacturing excellence in fiber optic termination has become mission‑critical. You’ll be at the forefront of developing scalable, robust manufacturing processes that directly enable TE's competitive advantage while ensuring world‑class quality and cost performance in optical connectivity manufacturing.

Operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location upon completion.

• Design and optimize end‑to‑end optical connector manufacturing processes, including fiber prep, termination, polishing, and testing.
• Develop process flows, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications for single‑mode and multi‑mode optical assemblies.
• Lead DFM reviews to ensure new designs meet volume, quality, yield, and cost goals.
• Drive PFMEA activities to identify risks and implement preventive controls.
• Create complete production documentation (process specs, control plans, WI, quality procedures).
• Prepare and qualify tools, fixtures, and equipment for precision optical termination.
• Lead qualification builds and validation runs (LVM, sample runs) to confirm capability and statistical control.
• Coordinate qualification documentation, reviews, and approvals.
• Manage pilot runs for new products, resolving engineering issues and validating process capability.
• Establish and track key manufacturing metrics (Cpk, yield, cycle time).
• Lead FACA/root‑cause investigations for manufacturing issues.
• Implement continuous improvement using TEOA tools for cost, yield, and cycle‑time optimization.
• Run Kaizen events to eliminate waste, improve throughput, and reduce changeovers.
• Enhance equipment reliability, process durability, and spare‑parts efficiency.
• Improve safety via machine guarding, control reliability, and operator protection initiatives.
• Train and mentor operators and technicians in optical termination methods and quality practices.
• Develop and deliver technical training on fiber handling, termination, inspection, and troubleshooting.
• Implement competency assessments and certification programs.
• Build mentorship programs to support skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Update routing, cycle times, and parameters after process changes.
• Optimize material flow, workspace layout, and personnel movement to reduce waste.
• Support Cap Ex/OpEx decisions through cost, capability, and vendor analysis.
• Integrate test systems, automation equipment, and MES for smooth production operations.
• Develop technology roadmaps for next‑generation optical connector manufacturing.
• Innovate new processes for advanced connectors (expanded beam, ganged ferrules, high‑density systems).
• Define automation strategies including robotic handling, automated polishing, and AI‑based inspection.
• Drive Industry 4.0 initiatives using IoT, predictive maintenance, and manufacturing analytics.

• Education:
  
  BS in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Experience:
  
  2–5 years in manufacturing process development, ideally in precision assembly, fiber optics, or electronics.
• Hands‑on experience with optical connector termination, fiber handling, precision processes, and SPC.
• Strong foundation in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in fiber cleaving, polishing, inspection, and optical testing with tight tolerance control.
• Experience with precision…