Director Connector Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the technical aspects of product design projects from concept through launch, with a strong focus on connector product design. This role requires expertise in plastics and metals manufacturing processes, application of lean product development techniques, and collaboration across multiple functions to deliver innovative, high-quality designs that meet customer requirements and industry standards.  The Senior Design Engineer is expected to set direction, make higher-level technical decisions, and guide less experienced engineers.  This role is intended to be a technical leader and mentor in addition to being a strong contributor.

Hybrid or remote work will be considered with 25% travel requirement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Owns the entire product design lifecycle with more autonomy and accountability.  Manages technical aspects of product design projects from ideation to launch, applying lean product development principles
• Utilize creativity and engineering expertise to develop product concepts and select the most efficient methods for knowledge acquisition and design execution
• Create and maintain engineering documentation (BOMs, ECNs, drawings, models) using SolidWorks or CREO with ePDM
• Apply design expertise with plastics (injection molding) and metals (stamping, machining).
• Incorporate knowledge of connector manufacturing processes, including progressive die stamping, injection molding, crimping, ultrasonic welding, and assembly
• Perform tolerance analysis and apply GD&T to ensure product performance and manufacturability
• Develop comprehensive test plans to meet product requirements
• Conduct or oversee connector testing, including tensile testing, cross-sections, temperature rise, and MIL-SPEC testing
• Collaborate with test labs or perform in-house testing to qualify designs
• Utilize engineering analysis tools such as finite element analysis, mold flow simulation, heat transfer, and electrical simulation (desired)
• Mentors Product Design Engineers
• Work independently or within cross-functional teams, including external engineering services and suppliers
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding documentation and technical requirements.  Seen as a senior customer-facing technical partner
• Support other departments with technical input and documentation as needed
• Present design concepts, test results, and recommendations clearly to stakeholders
• Apply a continuous improvement mindset to all tasks, utilizing Lean tools such as root cause analysis, A3 reports, and knowledge reports
• Follow all safety policies and company procedures, striving for zero incidents
• Maintain workplace organization through 5S/housekeeping practices
• Pursue ongoing professional development and training to expand skills and knowledge
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Mechanical Engineering preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in connector product design
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and CREO with commitment to best modeling practices
• Expertise in creating engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
• Experience with connector manufacturing standards such as MIL-DTL-5015, MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-28482, UL, IEC, etc and ability to apply them
• Connector prototyping experience, including 3D printing and contact/connector prototypes
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel at intermediate level or higher)
• Experience using ERP systems and project management platforms
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to explain and justify design choices
• Expected to set direction and resolve complex issues
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools and methodologies
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. (sponsorship not available)
• Fluency in English
• Experience with advanced engineering analysis tools (FEA, mold flow, thermal/electrical simulation) preferred
• Demonstrated fluency in complex technical concepts preferred

About the Company:

Amphenol Industrial Operations, headquartered in Endicott, New York with global manufacturing, sales and marketing locations, specializes in delivering a comprehensive range of high-reliability power and signal connectors along with interconnection systems designed specifically for industrial applications. Our solutions cater to diverse industrial sectors such as alternative energy, power generation and storage, rail and mass transit, process control, automotive manufacturing, heavy equipment, wireless base stations, and petrochemical industries.

Disclaimer:

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work expected for this role. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, or qualifications. Management may assign additional tasks or modify responsibilities as needed to meet business needs.