About Us:

US Conec is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of high-density fiber optic connector solutions. With over 30 years of expertise in precision engineering, injection molding, and plastics manufacturing, we continue to drive innovation and redefine the optical interconnect industry. 

US Conec is a stable and growing organization with locations in Hickory, NC and Fort Worth, TX. What sets us apart from other employers? Our core values and company culture. We offer a collaborative team environment, a customer and employee centric work culture, and outstanding benefits that include a minimum of 4 weeks of PTO for all team members. 

About the job:

This is an opportunity to design and develop cutting-edge fiber optic connectors, focusing on performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. You will work with plastic injection molded parts, machined components, and 3D printed prototypes to create connectors that push the boundaries of optical performance. You will also carry out independent development and qualification of products and direct the technical efforts of other technicians and engineers.

What you will do:

· Design and develop fiber optical connectors and their components

· Plan, direct, and carry out independent projects for each new product assigned including scheduling of resources and status reports

· Maintain project timelines and progress based on company priorities and available internal department resources. Provide regular project updates though meetings and other written and verbal communications.

· Work with R&D technicians to conduct project testing, analysis, and documentation

· Use engineering knowledge and experience to analyze data, results, and technician feedback to iterate on processes and product development

· Determine the most cost-effective approaches meeting internal and external customer requirements through coordination with product management, development, and applications engineering

· Provide technical assistance as required by product managers, sales, and manufacturing departments

· Maintain a high level of expertise in industry materials and processes

· Understand injection molding considerations in design and injection molding materials.

· Develop strategic supplier relationships as required for product development.

· Prepare conference papers or articles for trade journals on new technology or products

· Maintain documentation for possible patent submission.

· Act as a focal point for all technical issues on fiber, cable, connectors, hardware, testing and system performance for US Conec Marketing and Sales Groups.

· Propose new product ideas to add to current US Conec’s product line.

Equipment you will use:

· Contact gauging equipment, such as calipers, and micrometers

· Vision measurement systems and optical microscopes

· PC-compatible personal computer including MS Office

What we'd like you to have:

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering field, Mechanical Engineering preferred

· Three to Five years previous work experience in fiber optic industry or communications systems (This can include cooperative education programs.)

· Ten or more years working in related engineering field

· Working knowledge of fiber optic assemblies, connectors, and testing preferred

· Ability to work independently with minimum direction and supervision

· Ability to mentor and direct the technical efforts of other technicians and engineers

· Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as verbal and written communications skills with an emphasis on organizing and succinctly conveying ideas

· Ability to evaluate customer needs, functional criteria, and testing results to recommend next steps

· Fundamental PC skills with standard MS Office software

· Understanding of and ability to use CAD programs

· Ability to use Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

· Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

· Understanding of statistical analysis preferred