R&D Engineer - Fiber Optics

Amphenol and its Affiliated Companies•St. Augustine, FL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Amphenol Cable & Interconnect Technologies (ACIT) is a leading provider of cutting-edge fiber optic cable and assembly products, serving the aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets. As a Fiber Optics – Research and Development (R&D) Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our solutions are high-quality and meet our customers' exacting requirements. The Fiber Optics R&D Engineer drives New Product Development (NPD) by executing engineering deliverables across design, development, and testing, aligned with NPD metrics and KPIs. This role applies engineering principles to deliver fiber-optic products that meet customer requirements while supporting efficient project execution through strong project management and strategic planning. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, sales, and the factory leadership team, with a focus on innovation, organization, and effective communication.

Requirements

Experience in a manufacturing environment in a technical or engineering role; fiber optic technology (connectors and assemblies) preferred.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, Creo) with experience in fixture or machine design.
Experience with data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., LabVIEW, SAP, Excel), including DOE and statistical analysis.
Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple priorities, including equipment selection and capital justification processes.
Solid understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation, with the ability to write reports and protocols.
Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers; broad engineering knowledge (electrical, mechanical, industrial), with experience in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, medical/FDA) as a plus.
Engineering degree with a broad engineering knowledge across electrical, mechanical, and industrial disciplines, with specialization in at least one area.
Proficiency in English sufficient to understand technical documentation, safety procedures, and work instructions, and to interpret information in written, verbal, diagrammatic, and schedule formats.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats, including preparing clear technical reports and collaborating with cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers.
Ability to apply statistical methods, including Design of Experiments (DOE), to analyze and interpret data, assess variability and process capability, and support troubleshooting, optimization, and product development.
Ability to perform engineering calculations (e.g., cost, tolerances, performance) and utilize software tools (e.g., Excel or similar) for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.
Candidates must qualify as US Persons, defined as US Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders).

Nice To Haves

fiber optic technology (connectors and assemblies) preferred
experience in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, medical/FDA) as a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as a core team member in Product and Process Risk Analysis and lead multiple NPD projects through the Stage Gate process, ensuring completion of key deliverables and milestones.
Own proof-of-concept builds and support prototype development, including setup and operation of manufacturing equipment.
Plan, execute, and document engineering activities, including test data, process setups, and project status reporting.
Lead and manage capital equipment projects, including development of capital expenditure (ACE) requests.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, product management, and sales teams to support product development and manufacturability.
Interface with internal and external customers to define technical requirements, establish test plans, and support product selection and application needs.
Support product testing, validation, and qualification activities; analyze data to drive troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
Develop cost estimates, tooling requirements, and manufacturing documentation (e.g., work instructions, jigs, fixtures).
Monitor industry trends and contribute to innovation and new product development strategies.
Support production and process engineering teams while promoting safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Utilize and support operational systems and tools (e.g., LabVIEW, SAP, Power BI).
Mentor and guide engineering technicians to ensure successful project execution.
Other duties as required in support of the department and the company