Sr. Manager R&D/Product Development Engineering

TE Connectivity is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. The R&D Manager will lead a global team in identifying and developing new manufacturing process technologies for high-speed, high-density interconnect platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive innovation and excellence in manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure team members establish robust project goals and detailed target attributes / specifications for manufacturing process technologies through effective collaboration with fellow Advanced Development staff members, Manufacturing Process Development Engineering (MPDE), Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and other key stakeholder groups
• Guide the Team In The Identification And Development Of Manufacturing Process Solutions, Performance Of Technical Feasibility Studies, And Delivery Of Technical Support During The Transfer And Production-level Deployment Of These New Technologies, Including Team Member Tasks Such As
• Leveraging process models / advanced simulation to evaluate and prioritize manufacturing process options
• Collaborating with AD team members on Design for Manufacturability (DfM) assessments to explore the technical feasibility of various design concepts
• Performing assessments, including process cost modeling, to establish the value proposition and business / financial viability of proposed manufacturing solutions
• Initiating and conducting benchtop level proofs of concept, pilot process trials, and process verification / validation activities
• Evaluating and characterizing materials and structures performance and critical process parameter specifications
• Conducting equipment and process capability assessments for both current and emerging manufacturing technologies
• Completing comprehensive failure-mode analysis (PFMEA) for all possible manufacturing scenarios and process variations
• Delivering engineering evaluations, process proposals, and technical recommendations to support product development and manufacturing readiness decisions
• Filing appropriate intellectual property submissions related to novel manufacturing processes and innovations
• Supporting the Advanced Development “Technology Transfer” capability, front-line Manufacturing Process Development Engineering (MPDE) and the plant-level manufacturing teams to transfer process concepts, technical specifications, and advanced process knowledge to ensure successful scale-up and production implementation of new technologies
• Ensure that team members are following the Advanced Development (AD) Project Management Process and associated project tracking and reporting practices to ensure timely, high quality, and cost-effective project outcomes
• Aid the team in building a deep understanding of manufacturing challenges, process constraints, and production requirements by fostering connections with Manufacturing Process Development Engineering (MPDE), Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and other internal groups
• Drive team members to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing process capabilities, industry trends, competitive manufacturing practices, and the process technologies necessary for meeting anticipated future product technology and customer needs
• Identify, evaluate, and cultivate external partnerships with academic institutions, startups, equipment vendors, material suppliers, and technology partners to accelerate manufacturing process innovation and expand the team's access to emerging manufacturing process technologies
• Establish and deliver upon a multi-year strategy and associated roadmap that guides the development and maturation of the team (staff, operating practices, tools, and external partnerships) to a position of industry-wide superiority in advanced manufacturing process innovation and development
• Drive high performance by providing team members with routine coaching and feedback, holding the team accountable to meet performance objectives, and providing meaningful professional development opportunities to increase individual / team capability

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent degree / work experience
• Requires 10 years of relevant work experience in manufacturing process development, innovation, and deployment in high-complexity and / or high precision manufacturing environments
• A minimum of 3 years of progressive technical leadership and people management experience in a global or large-scale regional commercial enterprise
• Demonstrated experience in process capability analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and advanced process development methodologies
• Proficient in Design for Manufacturing (DfM) principles and able to drive manufacturability optimization in close collaboration with product design and engineering teams
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing process optimization, such as material selection, process parameter development, tooling design, and quality specifications
• Proficient in failure-mode and effects analysis for manufacturing processes (PFMEA) and production systems
• Experienced in leading teams with responsibility for the full manufacturing process development cycle, from identifying process challenges and developing solutions through pilot trials to production transfer and scale-up
• Proficient use of quality tools (PFMEA, SPC, DOE, process capability analysis, 8D, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Proven experience working with external partners including equipment vendors, material suppliers, contract manufacturers, academic institutions, and technology startups to advance manufacturing capabilities
• Fluent in English (both verbal and written) to facilitate global communication both internally and with external partners
• 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
• Strong organizational and time management skills with an ability to manage and execute multiple tasks / deadlines / projects simultaneously with limited direction
• Proven ability to translate business strategy into meaningful action plans
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with a proven track record of forging solid relationships across organizations and with senior management
• Advanced communication and presentation skills – a convincing communicator able to drive engagement and excitement both up and down the organization
• Proficient using MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, etc.)
• Master's Degree preferred
• Deep expertise preferred in one or more advanced manufacturing processes including metal stamping, plastic injection molding, electroplating / surface finishing, precision machining, electronics assembly, or emerging manufacturing technologies relevant to high-density interconnects