Sr R&D​/Product Dvl Engineer

SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Posting

Start Date:

5/19/26

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

Job Description:

** Job Overview*
* *
* 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.

** Job Requirements*
* What You'll Engineer

** 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
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* Cross-functional Collaboration:

** Work closely with optical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and optical performance

** What your background should look like*
* ** Essential Qualifications**
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* Education:

** BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field
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* 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 Knowledge Areas**
- ** Connector Design:
** Experience with latching mechanisms, strain relief systems, and connector assembly processes
- ** Static/Dynamic Analysis:
** Expertise in stress…