Senior Principal Fiber Optic Engineer

Amphenol Custom Cable, Inc in; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Amphenol Custom Cable seeks a Senior Principal Fiber Optic Engineer to drive advanced fiber optic assemblies from concept through production. You will lead high-density connectivity projects, troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues, and guide engineering teams to deliver top-tier connectivity solutions for demanding applications.

The role emphasizes rapid response to opportunities, process optimization, and collaboration with Sales, Operations, and Quality to ensure on-time, cost-effective

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in fiber optic manufacturing engineering.
• Expert in fiber assemblies, connectors (MPO/MTP) and high-density solutions.
• Experience launching new products and resolving manufacturing challenges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fiber optic assemblies, connectivity, and testing.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes; reduce scrap and improve yields.
• Lead NPI: evaluate opportunities, develop BOMs, routings, labor estimates.

Skills

Fiber optic assemblies

Manufacturing process

NPI & product launch

Technical leadership

Customer collaboration

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

MPO/MTP assembly

Fiber polishing equipment

Job description

Senior Principal Fiber Optic Engineer (Finance)

Amphenol Custom Cable is a leading provider of connectivity solutions with a strong national presence and global distribution network. Established in 1980, the company is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 organizations and is certified to TL9000:2008 and ISO 9001:2008 standards for excellence in manufacturing and installation connectivity services. Known for its rapid response, Amphenol Custom Cable delivers custom solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to meet diverse customer needs. The company prides itself on providing quality, precision, and high performance for a wide range of requirements.

SUMMARY Amphenol Custom Cable is seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Fiber Optic Engineer to serve as a senior technical resource supporting the growth of our fiber optic assembly business. This is a critical technical hire intended to strengthen our ability to respond quickly to new customer opportunities, develop and manufacture complex fiber optic assemblies, solve challenging production issues, and expand our engineering capabilities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fiber Optic Assemblies & Connectivity Extensive experience with single mode and multimode fiber optic assemblies. Advanced knowledge of MPO/MTP multifiber connector systems, including termination, polishing, testing, and troubleshooting. Strong knowledge of LC, SC, and other common fiber connector platforms. Experience with high-density fiber solutions, trunks, breakout assemblies, patch cords, and custom fiber configurations. Strong understanding of fiber polarity, optical performance, connector compatibility, and loss budgets. Ability to interpret customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Manufacturing Process Expertise Hands-on experience developing and optimizing fiber optic assembly manufacturing processes. Expertise in fiber preparation, stripping, cleaving, termination, polishing, inspection, and testing. Ability to troubleshoot insertion loss, return loss, end-face geometry, contamination, and manufacturing defects. Experience establishing manufacturing work instructions, process controls, and quality acceptance criteria. Ability to improve yields, reduce scrap and rework, and increase manufacturing throughput.
• New Product Introduction & Engineering Proven experience taking new fiber products from concept or customer RFQ through successful production launch. Ability to evaluate new customer opportunities quickly and determine technical feasibility. Experience developing BOMs, manufacturing routings, labor requirements, and production processes. Ability to support technical costing, quoting, and pricing decisions. Experience building prototypes, validating designs, and qualifying new products. Ability to work directly with suppliers to evaluate components, tooling, and manufacturing equipment.
• Business & Commercial Capabilities Rapidly assess incoming RFQs and identify viable technical solutions. Recommend alternative components or manufacturing approaches when specifications create challenges. Work directly with Sales, Operations, Purchasing, and Quality to accelerate opportunity turnaround. Communicate confidently with customers on complex technical requirements. Identify potential manufacturing risks before committing to new business. Support cost-effective product designs that balance performance, manufacturability, lead time, and profitability. Help differentiate AFCC through technical expertise, responsiveness, and manufacturing quality.
• Leadership & Mentorship Serve as the senior technical authority for fiber assembly engineering. Mentor and develop less-experienced engineers. Establish repeatable engineering practices and documentation. Provide technical direction during complex manufacturing issues. Collaborate effectively with production personnel and plant management. Remain actively involved in hands-on engineering rather than operating exclusively in a management capacity.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Highly Desired Specialized Expertise Experience with US Conec connectivity products and manufacturing processes. Advanced MTP/MPO assembly engineering and high-density multifiber connectivity. Familiarity with MMC, Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connectivity, and emerging connector technologies. Knowledge of TMT ferrules, advanced polishing requirements, and related manufacturing challenges. Experience establishing or qualifying a new connector assembly manufacturing capability. Experience supporting data center, hyperscale, telecom, and high-speed optical connectivity applications. Familiarity with relevant IEC, TIA, Telcordia, and customer-specific fiber optic performance and inspection requirements.

Education & Experience

Ideally 10-15+ years of directly relevant fiber optic manufacturing engineering experience. Significant experience in a fiber optic cable assembly, connector, or interconnect manufacturing environment. Background with an established fiber connectivity manufacturer or specialized assembly producer. Demonstrated success launching new products and resolving complex manufacturing challenges. Engineering degree is preferred, but equivalent extensive hands-on experience is highly valued.