Principal Fiber Optic Connector Engineer

Guardian Industries - DeWitt

Principal Mechanical Engineer at Molex, leading innovations in fiber optic connector design and technology for R&D team. Collaborating across teams to enhance performance in telecommunications and data centers.

Posted 7/29/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois, Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in fiber optic connector design and development, with a strong focus on technology selection, rapid prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to lead teams in creating innovative solutions while ensuring efficient manufacturing processes and high-performance standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fiber Optic Connector DesignTechnology Roadmap LeadershipFinite Element Analysis (FEA)Design Validation Plans & Reports (DVP&R)Statistical Tolerance Analyses

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fiber Optic Connector DevelopmentRapid Prototyping MethodsHigh-Volume Product DesignProgressive Die StampingInjection MoldingDie CastingInsert MoldingAutomated AssemblyData-Driven Product DevelopmentInnovative Solution Development

Soft Skills

Interpersonal RelationshipsTeam BuildingCross-Functional CollaborationKnowledge SharingLogical Decision-Making

Tools & Technologies

Design & Analysis ToolsDigital Collaboration ToolsTest Laboratories

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Mechanical EngineeringPhD in Mechanical Engineering

Industry Keywords

MPO ConnectorsMMC ConnectorsLensed ConnectorsManufacturing NPICustomer Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the technology selection for next generation fiber optic connectors
Explore new materials & manufacturing technologies to enable the next generation of fiber optic connectors
Trial and optimize quick-turn design & analysis tools, disseminating knowledge and developing best practices to support data-driven product development
Utilize rapid prototyping methods to create Proof of Concept (POC) prototypes
Clearly document POC results for sharing to internal teams and for presentation to customers
Lead industry engagement on fiber optic connector standards
Collaborate with the manufacturing NPI teams to develop cost-competitive and creative concepts. Ensure designs are efficient to manufacture while meeting our high-performance market requirements
Interface with cross functional team members in signal integrity, manufacturing integration, product management, sales, state of the art test laboratories, on-premise model shop, and leadership teams
Facilitate knowledge sharing within and between cross functional teams via digital tools and interpersonal relationships
Create relationships with senior leadership, cross functional team members and peers through team building activities and growth opportunities operating as One Molex Team
Engage with external customers to develop next generation solutions that meets their needs
Provide advanced application and technical support to strategic customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field
15+ years experience in fiber optic connector design and development with proven technical leadership
Track record of leading fiber connector technology roadmaps
Strong understanding of MPO / MMC / Lensed Connectors
Experience defining, executing, and interpreting design validation plans & reports (DVP&R)
Familiarity with defining and interpreting Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Demonstrated utilization of statistical Tolerance Analyses
Design experience with high-volume products manufactured using a subset of the following processes: progressive die stamping, injection molding, die casting, insert molding, automated assembly
Proven track record of developing innovative solutions
Desire to learn, be challenged and interact in a cross functional team environment
A demonstrated ability to learn quickly and make logical, data-based decisions when presented with novel tasks and requirements.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical
dental
vision
flexible spending and health savings accounts
life insurance
ADD
disability
retirement
paid vacation/time off
educational assistance
infertility assistance
paid parental leave
adoption assistance