Senior R&D/Product Development Engineer
TE Connectivity · Webster, NY
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About the Job
SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER 7/27/26
At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.
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
What You'll Engineer
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
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
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
Professional Skills • Problem Solving: Creative approach to complex mechanical design challenges with systematic engineering methodology • Communication: Ability to present technical concepts to cross-functional teams and document detailed mechanical specifications • Project Management: Experience managing multiple development projects with competing priorities and tight delivery timelines • Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with emerging precision manufacturing technologies and connector innovations
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
SET: Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)
ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.
Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
COMPENSATION
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $115,400- $173,100 (subject to change dependent on physical location)
- Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
- Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits
BENEFITS
- A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.