Position: Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms Focus)Location: Raleigh, NCAmphenol High Speed Products Group is the market leader for high speed, high bandwidth electrical connectors for the Telecom/Datacom market (Mobile Networks, Storage, Servers, Routers, Switches, etc.). Our products help to enable the electronics revolution and remain a key enabler for all the major Tier 1 OEMs globally. Our team in Raleigh, NC is looking for a Mechanical Engineer. The Mechanical Engineer would be the technical expert specializing in the design and development of alignment mechanisms that ensure reliable connections in end use applications.
The Mechanical Engineer will provide technical expertise in the design, development, and manufacturing of connector mechanisms, with a focus on creating robust systems that guide connectors together even in misaligned customer applications. This role involves working with metal components including guide pins, bearings, springs, levers and other mechanical elements. In this cross-functional position, they will execute the technical aspects of the organization's strategic plans, serve as a technical liaison for sales and marketing teams, and provide guidance to engineers and support personnel.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Design and develop mechanisms for connector alignment, including guide pins, bearings, springs and structural components made from steel and aluminum, ensuring reliability under misalignment conditions and performing failure analysis on defects from customer applications and manufacturing processes.
- Integrate new technologies, innovative manufacturing methods, and cost-effective initiatives into mechanism designs, supporting new product releases with a strong emphasis on material properties and surface finishes.
- Manage product-related documentation and specifications at the component level, including manufacturing processes and field performance, while maintaining the integrity of mechanism designs.
- Serve as the customer focal point for technical information on mechanisms, in-field applications, and guidance related to alignment performance and material durability.
- Collaborate with internal and external suppliers and manufacturing personnel to develop and validate mechanism prototypes through pilot production, interfacing with customers to test misalignment tolerance.
- Oversee the successful transition of mechanisms and processes from new product introduction (NPI) phase to volume manufacturing in low-cost regions, regularly interfacing with NPI and manufacturing engineering groups at global facilities.
- Provide technical assistance to drafters, designers, engineers, and support personnel to ensure accurate implementation of mechanism designs.
- Support the product design effort by conducting tolerance analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), material evaluations, and failure analysis specifically for mechanical mechanisms involving bearings, pins, and metallic components.
- Lead efforts in identifying new or alternative materials (e.g., advanced steels, aluminums, or coatings) and benchmarking them, while participating in the development of innovative manufacturing techniques for mechanism components.
- Actively collaborate with product designers on design reviews, component testing, qualification, and introduction of new mechanisms, including derivatives that address market demands for improved alignment and durability; participate in quality investigations to ensure mechanism specifications are met.
- Participate in fixture design and create/manage test plans to support the NPI process, with a focus on simulating misalignment scenarios and evaluating surface finish impacts.
- Identify and facilitate project initiatives such as cost improvements, quality enhancements, and performance benchmarking for connector mechanisms.
QUALIFICATIONS:- BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in mechanism design and kinematics.
- Proficiency with solid modeling tools (e.g., Pro/E or similar) and FEA tools; experience with simulation software for mechanical systems is a plus.
- Deep understanding of materials, including steel, aluminum, and their surface finishes, as well as knowledge of bearings and guide pins.
- Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience working in a dynamic team environment.
- Desire to innovate in mechanism design for connector products and processes.
- Knowledge of copper alloys and high-performance engineering thermoplastics is a plus.
- Basic understanding of electrical connectors and their mechanical integration.
