Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer, MPDE

TE Connectivity; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Job summary

TE Connectivity is seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design next-gen optical interconnect systems for AI and hyperscale data centers. You will develop precise optical assemblies, alignment fixtures, and manufacturing processes, addressing micron-level alignment in demanding environments.

Role requires hands-on opto-mechanical design, tolerance analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with optical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams at a primarily on-site facility in NY.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Mechanical, Optical, Physics or Mechatronics.
• 5–8 years in opto-mechanical engineering or related tech.
• Hands-on experience with optical systems or precision assemblies.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD; Zemax/Code V desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design precision fixtures and alignment tooling for optical components.
• Develop housings, connector systems and optical subassemblies.
• Perform optical and mechanical tolerance analysis for manufacturability.
• Lead prototyping from concept to production-ready designs.
• Create drawings, CAD models, test protocols, FMEAs and reports.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Project Management

Continuous Learning

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Optical Engineering

BS in Physics

BS in Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Zemax

Code V

Job description

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 Overview

Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer and help design the next generation of optical interconnect systems powering AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. You'll solve complex challenges where optics and mechanics converge, developing precision optical assemblies, alignment systems, fixtures, and manufacturing processes that enable industry-leading performance in demanding data center environments. Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIT) upon completion.

Why This Role Matters

As AI workloads drive unprecedented bandwidth and reliability requirements, precision alignment and packaging of optical components have become mission-critical. The difference between success and failure is often measured in microns. You'll be at the forefront of developing opto-mechanical systems, manufacturing technologies, and automation solutions that directly enable the future of high-performance optical connectivity while advancing TE's leadership in next-generation interconnect solutions.

Job Requirements

Opto-Mechanical Design & Development

• Optical Alignment Systems: Design precision fixtures, mechanical assemblies, and alignment tooling for optical fibers, ferrules, lenses, waveguides, and photonic components.
• Opto-Mechanical Product Design: Develop housings, connector systems, optical subassemblies, and packaging solutions that meet demanding mechanical, optical, and environmental performance requirements.
• Tolerance Engineering: Perform optical and mechanical tolerance analysis to ensure robust alignment, coupling efficiency, and manufacturability across high-volume production environments.
• Thermal-Mechanical Optimization: Evaluate and mitigate thermal expansion, mechanical stress, vibration, and environmental effects impacting optical performance.

Product Development & Manufacturing

• Prototype Development: Lead rapid prototyping activities from concept through production-ready designs utilizing advanced manufacturing, precision machining, and additive manufacturing technologies.
• Testing & Characterization: Develop and execute opto-mechanical validation plans including insertion loss, return loss, environmental testing, vibration, thermal cycling, shock, and reliability assessments.
• Automation & Process Development: Design and support alignment tooling, active alignment processes, laser welding systems, vision-guided assembly equipment, and automated manufacturing solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with optical, mechanical, manufacturing, process development, automation, and quality engineering teams to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
• Documentation: Create detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, assembly procedures, test protocols, work instructions, design specifications, FMEAs, and technical reports supporting product development and production deployment.

What Your Background Should Look Like

Education: BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.

• Experience: 5-8 years in opto-mechanical engineering, precision mechanical design, optical packaging, photonics, or related advanced technology industries.
• Optics Experience: Hands‑on experience working with optical systems, fiber optics, photonics, lasers, imaging systems, or precision optical assemblies.
• Design Tools: Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar). Experience with optical modeling, tolerance analysis, or simulation tools, such as Zemax, or Code V, is desirable.

Core Technical Competencies

• Opto-Mechanical Engineering: Deep understanding of optical alignment principles, optical packaging, precision assembly methods, and mechanical structures supporting optical performance.
• Precision Engineering: Experience designing systems requiring micron-level alignment, tight tolerances, and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Materials Science: Understanding of thermal expansion, material stability, adhesives, metals, ceramics, polymers, and their impact on optical system performance.
• Testing & Validation: Experience with optical test equipment, interferometry, insertion loss measurements, environmental testing, and statistical process control methodologies.
• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of active alignment, passive alignment, laser welding, precision machining, automated assembly, and high-volume optical manufacturing techniques.

Professional Skills

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and creative approach to solving complex optical and mechanical engineering challenges.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams and document detailed technical specifications.
• Project Management: Experience managing multiple development efforts, balancing technical risk, schedule, and business priorities.
• Continuous Learning: Passion for advancing expertise in photonics, optical connectivity, automation technologies, and emerging manufacturing methods.

Competencies

SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)

About Te Connectivity

TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more. Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Compensation

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $102,700 -$154,000(subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
• Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.