Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer, MPDE
Job Overview
Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer and help design the next generation of optical interconnect systems powering AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. You'll solve complex challenges where optics and mechanics converge, developing precision optical assemblies, alignment systems, fixtures, and manufacturing processes that enable industry-leading performance in demanding data center environments.
Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIT) upon completion.
Why This Role Matters
As AI workloads drive unprecedented bandwidth and reliability requirements, precision alignment and packaging of optical components have become mission-critical. The difference between success and failure is often measured in microns. You'll be at the forefront of developing opto-mechanical systems, manufacturing technologies, and automation solutions that directly enable the future of high-performance optical connectivity while advancing TE's leadership in next-generation interconnect solutions.
Job Requirements
Opto-Mechanical Design & Development
• Optical Alignment Systems: Design precision fixtures, mechanical assemblies, and alignment tooling for optical fibers, ferrules, lenses, waveguides, and photonic components.
• Opto-Mechanical Product Design: Develop housings, connector systems, optical subassemblies, and packaging solutions that meet demanding mechanical, optical, and environmental performance requirements.
• Tolerance Engineering: Perform optical and mechanical tolerance analysis to ensure robust alignment, coupling efficiency, and manufacturability across high-volume production environments.
• Thermal-Mechanical Optimization: Evaluate and mitigate thermal expansion, mechanical stress, vibration, and environmental effects impacting optical performance.
Product Development & Manufacturing
• Prototype Development: Lead rapid prototyping activities from concept through production-ready designs utilizing advanced manufacturing, precision machining, and additive manufacturing technologies.
• Testing & Characterization: Develop and execute opto-mechanical validation plans including insertion loss, return loss, environmental testing, vibration, thermal cycling, shock, and reliability assessments.
• Automation & Process Development: Design and support alignment tooling, active alignment processes, laser welding systems, vision-guided assembly equipment, and automated manufacturing solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with optical, mechanical, manufacturing, process development, automation, and quality engineering teams to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
• Documentation: Create detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, assembly procedures, test protocols, work instructions, design specifications, FMEAs, and technical reports supporting product development and production deployment.
What your background should look like
Education: BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 5-8 years in opto-mechanical engineering, precision mechanical design, optical packaging, photonics, or related advanced technology industries.
• Optics Experience: Hands-on experience working with optical systems, fiber optics, photonics, lasers, imaging systems, or precision optical assemblies.
• Design Tools: Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar). Experience with optical modeling, tolerance analysis, or simulation tools, such as Zemax, or Code V, is desirable.
Core Technical Competencies
• Opto-Mechanical Engineering: Deep understanding of optical alignment principles, optical packaging, precision assembly methods, and mechanical structures supporting optical performance.
• Precision Engineering: Experience designing systems requiring micron-level alignment, tight tolerances, and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Materials Science: Understanding of thermal expansion, material stability, adhesives, metals, ceramics, polymers, and their impact on optical system performance.
• Testing & Validation: Experience with optical test equipment, interferometry, insertion loss measurements, environmental testing, and statistical process control methodologies.
• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of active alignment, passive alignment, laser welding, precision machining, automated assembly, and high-volume optical manufacturing techniques.
Professional Skills
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and creative approach to solving complex optical and mechanical engineering challenges.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams and document detailed technical specifications.
• Project Management: Experience managing multiple development efforts, balancing technical risk, schedule, and business priorities.
• Continuous Learning: Passion for advancing expertise in photonics, optical connectivity, automation technologies, and emerging manufacturing methods.
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