Sr. Manager, Product Development Engineer - Fiber Optic Connector & Termination Systems, DDN

Sr. Manager, Product Development Engineer - Fiber Optic Connector & Termination Systems, DDN

Posting

Start Date:

3/31/26

** At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.*
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Job Description:

** Job Overview*
* Sr. Manager, Product Development Engineer - Fiber Optic Connector & Termination Systems, Digital Data Networks (DDN)  Business Unit | TE Connectivity

The Opportunity Join TE Connectivity's cutting-edge Passive Optics organization as a Product Development Engineering Manager and help pioneer the next generation of optical interconnect solutions powering AI and hyperscale computing. You'll tackle complex engineering challenges in fiber optics, working with advanced materials and precision manufacturing to create products that enable the world's most demanding data center applications.

Why This Role Matters

As AI workloads demand unprecedented bandwidth and reliability, optical interconnect engineering has become mission-critical. You'll be at the forefront of solving complex technical challenges that directly enable the AI revolution while advancing TE's leadership in high-performance optical connectivity.

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* 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*
* ** What You'll Engineer:*
* ** Advanced Optical Connector Design & Development*
* - Ganged Blind Mate Systems:
Develop innovative fiber optic connectors featuring ganged blind mate ferrule configurations for high-density box-to-box attachment and cable assemblies

- Mechanical Float Engineering:
Design sophisticated backplane mechanical float systems enabling self-alignment of ganged ferrule arrays during blind mating operations, accounting for manufacturing tolerances

- Alignment Architecture:
Engineer precision alignment mechanisms for multi-fiber ferrule systems, including guide pin configurations, centering features, and compliance structures for reliable blind mate engagement

- Performance Optimization:
Engineer solutions for critical optical parameters including insertion loss, return loss, back scatter and optical power management across multiple parallel optical channels

** Materials Engineering*
* - Float Mechanism Materials:
Evaluate and specify advanced polymers, elastomers, and metallic springs for mechanical float systems ensuring consistent alignment force and compliance

- Ferrule Materials:
Select precision ceramics, polymer composites, and hybrid materials optimized for ganged blind mate applications

- Environmental Testing:
Design and execute comprehensive test protocols for temperature, humidity, vibration, and mechanical stress validation of multi-fiber connector systems

** Advanced Optical Concepts*
* - Array Alignment Tolerances:
Develop solutions managing channel-to-channel alignment accuracy, pitch tolerances, and angular misalignment in ganged configurations

- Polarization Management:
Develop solutions for polarization-dependent loss (PDL), polarization mode dispersion (PMD), and state of polarization control across parallel optical channels

** Blind Mate Mechanism Design*
* - Float System Architecture:
Design mechanical float systems providing controlled compliance in X, Y, Z, and rotational axes for reliable ganged ferrule alignment

- Engagement Dynamics:
Analyze blind mate insertion forces, guide structures, and latching mechanisms for ganged connector systems

- Tolerance Stack Analysis:
Perform comprehensive tolerance analysis ensuring reliable blind mate operation across manufacturing variations and thermal cycling

- Alignment Feature Design:
Engineer precision guide pins, chamfers, and self-centering features optimized for ganged ferrule blind mate applications

** Product Development & Validation*
* - Prototyping:
Lead rapid prototyping efforts from concept through production-ready designs for complex ganged connector systems

- Testing & Characterization:
Develop comprehensive test methodologies for optical performance, mechanical alignment accuracy, and reliability of blind mate systems

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