Job Overview

Business Unit: Aerospace, Defense & Marine (AD&M) – Rugged Fiber Optics (RFO)
Location: Arden, NC

Position Summary

TE Connectivity is seeking an experienced R&D/Product Development Engineer II (Firmware Embedded Systems) to support the development of next-generation active optical, networking, and embedded electronic solutions for aerospace and defense applications. The role will focus on embedded firmware development, networking technologies, laboratory infrastructure, system integration, and new product development initiatives supporting the growth of the Actives portfolio. This position aligns with future needs in networking, switching technologies, and engineering lab expansion identified within the RFO roadmap.

Please note: This position requires access to information which is subject to stringent controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR).   Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, person granted asylee status in the U.S., or person admitted into the U.S. as a refugee.

Job Requirements

• Develop embedded firmware and software solutions for active optical and networking products.
• Design, configure, and integrate Ethernet PHYs, switches, and communication interfaces.
• Develop and maintain Embedded Linux distributions (Yocto Preferred).
• Create software tools, automated test solutions, and user interfaces supporting engineering and manufacturing.
• Support product architecture, requirements development, system integration, verification, and qualification activities.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams, including software and firmware resources, to develop scalable networking solutions.
• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of firmware and hardware issues.
• Partner with TE IT and cybersecurity teams to design and deploy networking infrastructure supporting new engineering and laboratory facilities.
• Lead implementation of networking systems, servers, storage solutions, switches, and secure connectivity for engineering labs and development environments.
• Define network requirements for laboratory equipment, embedded development systems, automated test platforms, and data acquisition systems.
• Support server provisioning, VLAN configuration, network segmentation, and secure access architectures.
• Serve as the technical liaison between Engineering, IT, Operations, and external vendors during facility startup and expansion projects.
• Provide technical support at customer, supplier, manufacturing, and engineering locations worldwide.

What your background should look like

Generally requires Bachelors degree in appropriate field or local equivalent with a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional level experience 

• 3+ years of firmware, embedded software, or related engineering experience.
• Proficiency in:
• C/C++
• Python
• Embedded Linux
• Yocto Project
• Git / Bitbucket
• Experience with:
• Ethernet networking technologies and Testing
• SPI, I2C, SGMII, and related communication protocols
• Embedded microcontrollers and Linux-based systems
• Firmware architecture and bootloader development
• Hardware/software integration and validation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with networking infrastructure, managed switches, Ethernet transceivers, and switching technologies.
• Experience with aerospace, defense, industrial networking, or ruggedized electronic systems.
• Familiarity with REST APIs, embedded web services, and server administration.
• Experience supporting engineering laboratories, manufacturing environments, or facility infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of Broadcom networking platforms and PHY firmware development.

Travel Requirements

• Domestic and international travel required approximately 25-50%.
• Travel will support customer visits, supplier engagement, manufacturing support, qualification testing, technology transfers, facility startup activities, and collaboration with global engineering teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport and meet international travel requirements.

Competencies