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