SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER- OPTICS

TE Connectivity Corporation; Town of Webster (NY); On-site; USD 115,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

TE Connectivity Webster, NY is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Optics to advance passive optical connector systems for AI and hyperscale computing. You will tackle sub-micron precision design challenges using metals and engineering plastics, driving reliability and manufacturability.

You will collaborate with optical engineering, manufacturing and quality teams, leading rapid prototyping and rigorous validation to ensure performance across environments.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years in precision mechanical design for connector/optical systems; 3 years with MS; PhD if no work experience.
• Hands-on metals and engineering plastics experience for precision applications.

Responsibilities

• Design passive optical connector assemblies with sub-micron alignment precision.
• Develop sub-micron tolerance control strategies for varying conditions.
• Engineer durability, insertion/withdrawal forces and long-term stability.

Skills

precision design

sub-micron tolerancing

design for manufacturability

finite element analysis

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Job description

Job Title: SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER- OPTICS

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

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

• 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 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 analysis, fatigue life prediction, and mechanical reliability engineering
• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of injection molding, precision machining, and assembly automation for small-scale components
• Quality Systems: Understanding of tolerance control, process capability studies, and Design for Six Sigma methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Industry Experience: Background in optical connectors, precision instruments, or telecommunications hardware
• Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with connector industry standards (IEC, Telcordia) and environmental testing protocols
• Simulation Skills: Experience with ANSYS, COMSOL, or other advanced FEA/simulation software
• Patent Experience: Track record of mechanical design innovation and intellectual property development.

Competencies

SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)

COMPENSATION

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $115,400 – $173,100 (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.

EOE, Including Disability/Vets

Job Locations:

Posting City: Webster

Job Country: United States

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Requisition ID: 159745

Workplace Type: Onsite

External Careers Page: Engineering & Technology