Job Overview

The Opportunity
Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a 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.

Job Requirements

What You'll Engineer:

Advanced Optical Connector Design & Development
• Ganged Blind Mate Systems: Develop innovative fiber optic connectors featuring ganged blind mate ferrule configurations for high-density box-to-box attachment and cable assemblies 
• Mechanical Float Engineering: Design sophisticated backplane mechanical float systems enabling self-alignment of ganged ferrule arrays during blind mating operations, accounting for manufacturing tolerances 
• Alignment Architecture: Engineer precision alignment mechanisms for multi-fiber ferrule systems, including guide pin configurations, centering features, and compliance structures for reliable blind mate engagement 

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

Essential Qualifications 
• 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

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