TE Connectivity is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. The Principal Engineer R&D Product Technology will spearhead the ideation and design of next-generation interconnect technology solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate in high-speed, high-density platforms.
Responsibilities:
- 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
- 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
Requirements:
- 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.)
- 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