Job Overview

Job Overview

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

As a key member of the DDN Advanced Development (AD) organization, you will contribute to 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, System Architecture, and other internal groups. Additionally, you will support the identification, evaluation, and cultivation of external partnerships with academic institutions, startups, and technology vendors.

Key qualifications include a proven track record of superior technical contributions in 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

Near Generation Solutions:

• Establish development project goals and detailed target attributes / specifications for a given technology by working closely with TE Sales, System Architecture, and Product Management groups.
• Develop solution concepts and perform technical feasibility studies:
  • Leverage mechanical simulations using state-of-the-art FEA tools to rapidly sort through solution options
  • Collaborate with fellow AD team members on SI / Electrical and other Multiphysics simulation and advanced engineering analysis methods to ensure robust solutions.
  • Complete detailed tolerance analysis for dense, fine-pitch products
  • Complete exhaustive failure-mode analysis (DFMEA) for all possible scenarios
  • Provide complete 3D models and work with designers to complete GD&T on models and / or drawings.
  • Collaborate with fellow AD team members on Design for Manufacturability (DfM) assessments & find creative design solutions around manufacturability challenges.
  • Complete cost model studies to determine the value and financial viability of proposed solutions.
• Deliver engineering evaluations & proposals
• File appropriate intellectual property submissions
• Initiate prototype sample creation and performance verification
• Collaborate with front-line product engineering (PDE) / NPI teams to transfer design concepts and advanced technical knowledge to ensure successful commercialization of new technologies.

Future Generation Solutions:

• Maintain a system architecture level understanding of customer applications, industry trends, and the product technologies necessary for meeting anticipated future customer needs.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the DDN Product Management and System Architecture teams so the Advanced Development (AD) group stays aligned on future technology roadmap needs.
• Explore, analyse, and incorporate new product enabling technologies into future AD group projects and initiatives:
  • Attend trade shows & look for new technologies and external partnerships
  • Search for academic and startup linkages where promising work can improve future TE solutions
  • Define, implement, and qualify new technologies
  • Work closely with other AD group team members focused on manufacturing processes innovation, so new technologies can be successfully implemented at scale in manufacturing.
• Generate IP patent portfolios for new technologies

• Author and present technical papers publicly

What your background should look like

Required Skills/Experience:

• 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 tool 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 or technology specifications.
• In depth knowledge in manufacturing process (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 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 using MS office software (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, MS Teams, etc.).

Nice To Have Skills/Experience:

• Familiarity with switch and / or server equipment.
• Expert knowledge in raw material, industry standards, and product application.
• Proficient use of quality tools (FMEA, 6 sigma, DOE, 8D, etc.).
• In depth knowledge of contact physics including plating systems for electrical contacts, pore blocker and contact lubricants, copper alloys used in connectors, high temperature / engineering plastic resins.                                       
• User level knowledge of communication theory including impedance matching and signal integrity.
• In depth knowledge of test methods for electrical connectors with experience successfully troubleshooting product failure.
• Thermal management experience in high-speed signal transmission.
• Experience contributing to and influencing Standards Committees.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with an ability to manage and execute multiple tasks/deadlines/projects simultaneously with limited direction.
• Strong presentation skills to effectively engage with customers in ideation for new generation development.
• Experienced in leading technical discussions and performing technical training across project teams.
• Proficient with mentoring and coaching fellow engineers.

Competencies