Senior Design/Development Engineer

US Conec • Hickory, NC

79d

About The Position

At US Conec, we're proud to be a global leader in high-density fiber-optic connector solutions, with over 30 years of experience in precision engineering, injection molding, and plastics manufacturing. As a Senior Design/Development Engineer - Fiber Optic Connectors, you'll have the exciting opportunity to design and develop next-generation connector products, lead independent development projects, and mentor our talented technicians and engineers as we push the boundaries of optical performance together!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a related engineering role, with 3-5 years in the fiber-optic or communications systems industry (co-op and internship experience counts!).
• Proven ability to work independently, lead projects, and mentor technicians and engineers.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to organize and convey complex ideas succinctly.
• Proficiency with CAD software and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong PC skills, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with fiber-optic (or copper) assemblies, connectors, and testing.
• Understanding of statistical analysis methods.
• Exposure to patent preparation and technical publications.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop fiber-optic connectors and their components using injection-molded parts, machined components, and 3D-printed prototypes.
• Plan, direct, and execute new product development and qualification projects, managing schedules, resources, and status reporting.
• Maintain project timelines and communicate progress through engaging meetings, informative reports, and dynamic presentations.
• Collaborate with our R&D technicians to conduct testing, data analysis, and thorough documentation.
• Analyze test results and technician feedback to iterate on design and process improvements.
• Coordinate with Product Management, Development, and Applications Engineering to deliver cost-effective solutions that truly meet our customer requirements.
• Provide valuable technical support to our Product Management, Sales, and Manufacturing teams on connector design, testing, and system performance.
• Maintain expertise in materials, injection-molding considerations, and industry processes.
• Develop and nurture strategic supplier relationships for new component and process development.
• Prepare conference papers or trade-journal articles on exciting new technologies and products.
• Maintain documentation for patent filings and act as the go-to technical resource for fiber, cable, connector, and hardware issues.
• Propose and champion innovative product ideas to expand US Conec's connector portfolio.
• Use contact gauging equipment (calipers, micrometers), vision measurement systems, optical microscopes, and PC-based tools (MS Office) to validate and document designs.

Benefits

• A competitive base salary with performance-based bonus potential.
• Four weeks of PTO, plus paid holidays and community/STEM outreach days.
• Health, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match and planning resources.
• A collaborative, team-based culture that fuels innovation.
• Employee recognition programs celebrating your achievements.
• Career development opportunities and a supportive environment to grow your skills.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Primary Metal Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees