Senior Manufacturing and Process Development Engineer - New Product Development

Job Overview

TE's Aerospace Defense & Marine Division is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Manufacturing and Process Development Engineer –New Product Development  to support new product introduction, process development, and manufacturing readiness for fiber optic products.

In this role, a senior individual contributor will be responsible for owning manufacturing engineering deliverables for assigned NPI/process development projects, providing DFM/DFA input, developing robust processes and tooling, supporting qualification and launch, and helping standardize fiber optic manufacturing practices across sites.  This position provides broad exposure to cross-functional NPI programs, manufacturing site collaboration, and opportunities to grow as a technical leader in fiber optic process development.

This role is based on-site in Arden, NC with collaboration across TE manufacturing sites; occasional travel may be required to support process development, qualification, and launch activities. 

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities that help bring new fiber optic products from concept through launch.
• Influence early product design through strong DFM/DFA input to improve manufacturability, quality, cost, and scalability.
• Develop robust manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment solutions that support customer-driven product innovation.

Job Requirements

Execute Manufacturing Engineering deliverables aligned with the New Process Development Phase Gate process, including:

• New process and equipment specification in compliance with TE safety and ergonomic policies.
• DFM/DFA input into the early stages of product design.
• PFMEA and implementation of high-risk mitigation plans.
• Manufacturing capacity analysis.
• Value stream mapping.
• Assembly tooling and equipment development.
• Process qualification via capability studies.
• Execution of sample builds for DFM and process development.
• Generation of process specifications.
• Lead or support development and implementation of manufacturing technologies, equipment, and appropriate automation to support new product introduction.
• Apply a lean manufacturing focus to improve cost, quality, yield, and manufacturability of fiber optic manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing sites as a developing subject matter expert in fiber optic manufacturing processes.
• Liaise with manufacturing facilities to support preliminary cost estimates on new product concepts. 

What your background should look like

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Optical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline with typically 5–10 years of hands-on manufacturing, process development, or new product introduction experience; fiber optic product or optical assembly experience preferred.
• Experience with machine, equipment and process design, development, and deployment into a production environment.
• Hands-on problem solver with the ability to independently manage assigned technical workstreams while collaborating with project and functional leadership.
• Knowledge and experience implementing Lean Six Sigma principles preferred.  Green or Black Belt certification a plus.
• Must be able to effectively operate in remote teams with broad geographic footprints.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance priorities across multiple active projects and launch timelines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient with 3D CAD software as well as general Microsoft Office applications. 

Preferred prior experience includes:

• Optical manufacturing principles such as single and multi-fiber termination.
• Test methods of optical connectors.
• Active optical component assembly processes.
• Knowledge of industry standards for environmental and mechanical performance of optical connectors. 

What success looks like:

• Manufacturing processes are ready to support product launch with clear specifications, tooling, capacity assumptions, and qualific