SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

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 • 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 • 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 (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and finite element analysis tools

Core Technical Competencies • Precision Engineering: Deep understanding of sub-micron tolerancing, statistical tolerance analysis, and precision manufacturi