PRINCIPAL R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Job Overview

Leads engineering in the development and start-up of one or more products.

The Digital Data Networks Business Unit is seeking a Principal R&D Product Development Engineer (PDE) to spearhead the design and development of next-generation interconnect solutions for tomorrow’s most demanding high-speed, high-density platforms - including switches, servers, data storage systems, and AI hardware.

In this Advanced Development role, you will lead cutting-edge innovation in interconnect technologies that are expected to push the boundaries of density and performance. These future solutions will likely incorporate not only traditional electrical signaling but also electromagnetic wave and photonic propagation.  You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams and engage with key stakeholders across Sales, Product Management, Strategy, and other internal groups. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and cultivating external partnerships with academic institutions, startups, and technology vendors.

Key qualifications include a proven track record of technical leadership in advanced product development, deep expertise in high-speed interconnects and emerging signal propagation technologies, strong communication and collaboration skills, and a passion for innovation that drives breakthrough solutions.

Job Requirements

Next Generation Solutions:

• Help to create preliminary product specifications by working closely with TE sales, system architecture, and product management
• Conceive concepts and perform feasibility studies:
• Run advanced mechanical simulations using state-of-the-art FEA tools
• Complete detailed tolerance analysis for dense, fine-pitch products
• Complete exhaustive failure-mode analysis for all possible scenarios
• Provide complete 3D models
• Work with designers to complete GD&T in live 3D models or on 2D product drawings
• Work with manufacturing on DFMEA analysis & find creative solutions around issues
• Complete cost model studies to determine the solution value proposition
• Deliver engineering evaluations & proposals 
• File appropriate intellectual property submissions
• Build prototype samples and perform validation
• Work with front-line product engineering teams to transfer design/knowledge to production

Future Solutions:

• Maintain a system-level understanding of customer applications and the product designs/concepts necessary for meeting anticipated future customer needs.
• Foster linkages with DDN Strategy, Product Management, Business Development, and System Architecture teams to help understand future technology roadmap needs
• Explore, analyze, and incorporate new engineering and manufacturing technologies into future TE products and processes:
• Attend trade shows & look for new technologies and partnerships
• Search for academic and startup linkages where promising work can improve future TE solutions
• Define, implement, and qualify new technologies
• Partner with manufacturing to introduce new technologies into factories for volume production
• Generate IP patent portfolios for new technologies
• Author and present technical papers publicly 

What your background should look like

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Typically requires 12 years of related experience. Candidates with a master’s or PhD may be considered with fewer years of experience, depending on the relevance of their academic background to the role.
• Must have relevant mechanical engineering work experience with electrical components, electrical devices, mechanical structure design, manufacturing tooling development (stamping, molding, assembly, plating), or manufacturing process development.
• Knowledge in socket design, connector design, cable assembly design, or other relevant mechanical design and development, including but not limited to material selection, tolerance analysis, DFMEA, product qualification, etc.
• Expert in 3D CAD applications (Creo preferred) with experience in 3D solid modeling, including sheet metal, 2-D drawings, PDM link Data Manager, and general knowledge in design applications such as Spaceclaim, Solidworks, or others used only in the concept stage.                         
• Expert in geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T). 
• Expert at limit and fit analysis, including statistical tolerance analysis.
• Proficient user of finite element analysis software (Ansys, Workbench), including elastic and plastic behavior of metals.
• Proficient in developing and writing design objectives for product specifications.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, molding, stamping, plating, assembly, etc.) with experience driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and best practices.  
• Experienced in providing technical leadership for the full product development cycle, from establishing customer requirements to releasing a qualified design to production.
• Solid understanding of competitive products and intellectual property positions.
• Fluent in English (both verbal and written) to facilitate global communication both internally and with external customers.
• Ability to work in a global environment – able to accommodate varying time zones and capable of collaborating with individuals across geographies.
• Expert problem solver – able to handle high complexity situations and use data analytics and critical thinking to reach logical conclusions with limited direction.
• Proficient in using MS Office software (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, MS Teams, etc.).

Competencies