Materials Science Phd Internship Jobs in Rochester, NY

5/19/26
At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.
Job Description:
Job Overview
The Opportunity:
Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and help design the next generation of precision optical connector systems powering AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. You'll solve complex mechanical engineering challenges in sub-micron precision design, working with advanced materials to create products that enable the world's most demanding optical interconnect applications.
Why This Role Matters:
As AI workloads demand unprecedented reliability and performance, precision mechanical design of optical connectors has become mission-critical. You'll be at the forefront of solving complex mechanical challenges involving metals, plastics, and innovative latching mechanisms that directly enable the optical revolution while advancing TE's leadership in high-performance connectivity solutions.
Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIC) upon completion.
Job Requirements
What You'll Engineer
Precision Mechanical Design & Development • Connector System Architecture: Design innovative passive optical connector assemblies with sub-micron alignment precision for fiber-to-PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) applications • Tolerance Engineering: Develop sub-micron tolerance control strategies ensuring optimal mechanical and optical performance across temperature ranges and environmental conditions
• Performance Optimization: Engineer solutions for critical mechanical parameters including connector durability, insertion/withdrawal forces, and long-term stability
Materials & Structural Engineering • Materials Selection: Evaluate and specify advanced metals and engineering plastics for precision optical connector applications with focus on dimensional stability and wear resistance • Compliant Structures: Design innovative compliant mechanisms for connector alignment, engagement, and stress relief while maintaining optical precision • Mechanical Validation: Design and execute comprehensive test protocols for static and dynamic loading, fatigue resistance, and environmental stress validation
Advanced Mechanical Concepts • Latching Mechanisms: Develop innovative latching and retention systems optimized for connector reliability, user experience, and manufacturing efficiency • Strain Relief Design: Engineer strain relief solutions that protect fiber optics under mechanical stress while maintaining connector alignment precision • Load Analysis: Perform static and dynamic stress analysis on connector assemblies, including finite element modeling of complex loading scenarios • Precision Assembly: Design connector systems for automated assembly processes while maintaining sub-micron alignment tolerances
Product Development & Manufacturing • Prototyping: Lead rapid prototyping efforts from concept through production-ready mechanical designs using advanced manufacturing techniques • Testing & Characterization: Develop comprehensive mechanical test methodologies for connector performance, durability, and manufacturing quality control • Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with optical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and optical performance
What your background should look like
Essential Qualifications • Education: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field • Experience: a minimum of 5 years in precision mechanical design, preferably in connector or optical systems; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without work experience • Materials Expertise: Hands-on experience with metals and engineering plastics in precision applications • Design Tools: Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and finite element analysis tools
Core Technical Competencies • Precision Engineering: Deep understanding of sub-micron tolerancing, statistical tolerance analysis, and precision manufacturing processes • Structural Mechanics: Experience with compliant structures, spring mechanisms, and dynamic loading analysis of small-scale mechanical systems • Materials Science: Understanding of material properties, thermal expansion, creep, and long-term stability of metals and polymers • Testing & Validation: Proficiency with mechanical test equipment, load testing, and statistical quality control methods
Specialized Knowledge Areas • Connector Design: Experience with latching mechanisms, strain relief systems, and connector assembly processes • Static/Dynamic Analysis: Expertise in stress analysis, fatigue life prediction, and mechanical reliability engineering • Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of injection molding, precision machining, and assembly automation for small-scale components • Quality Systems: Understanding of tolerance control, process capability studies, and Design for Six Sigma methodologies
Professional Skills • Problem Solving: Creative approach to complex mechanical design challenges with systematic engineering methodology • Communication: Ability to present technical concepts to cross-functional teams and document detailed mechanical specifications • Project Management: Experience managing multiple development projects with competing priorities and tight delivery timelines • Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with emerging precision manufacturing technologies and connector innovations
Preferred Qualifications • Advanced Degree: MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field • Industry Experience: Background in optical connectors, precision instruments, or telecommunications hardware • Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with connector industry standards (IEC, Telcordia) and environmental testing protocols • Simulation Skills: Experience with ANSYS, COMSOL, or other advanced FEA/simulation software • Patent Experience: Track record of mechanical design innovation and intellectual property development
Competencies
SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)
ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.
Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
COMPENSATION
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $115,400- $173,100 (subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
• Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits
BENEFITS
• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.
EOE, Including Disability/Vets
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD
TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.
Job Locations:
780 Salt Road
Webster, New York 14580-9709
United States
Posting City: Rochester
Job Country: United States
Travel Required: 10% to 25%
Requisition ID: 148431
Workplace Type: Onsite
External Careers Page: