Telecom Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Engineer team.

About the job

Are you passionate about turning ideas into reality, embracing ownership, and working at the forefront of connectivity? Join viaPhoton and be part of a culture that thrives on fearless innovation, teamwork, and continuous growth, where learning, unlearning, and relearning are part of the journey.

This dynamic role offers significant ownership and responsibility. We’re looking for individuals who excel in environments where their contributions make an impact, are hungry to learn, and are energized by meaningful work that drives company growth while accelerating their career. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Who We Are

We are changing the norm by being customer focused, technology led.

viaPhoton is on an ambitious mission to revolutionize how critical digital infrastructure is manufactured and deployed. Best-in-class data centers and telecom providers need fiber optic solutions delivered in weeks, not months — whether that’s for AI infrastructure, 5G networks, or next-generation broadband. We’re reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. Manufacturing is no longer just an operations challenge, but an automation and speed-to-market problem that customers urgently need solved. In 5 years, we’ve grown to a team of over 200 and added top Hyperscalers to our growing customer base. We’ve only just gotten started — our ambition is to become the market leader of the $40+ billion connectivity industry.

We seek candidates who will be culture contributors and who align with our core values:

• Fearless Innovation we are pioneers unafraid to change the norm in relentless pursuit of better

• Forward Together we believe that when we work together toward a collective goal, we all succeed

• Integrity Over Everything we believe in long term relationships and doing what is right, always

• Nimble, Always we are solutions obsessed, move fast, and stay nimble

• Be the Bar we set our own standard of excellence and hold ourselves to it

What You Will Do

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will demonstrate creative skills in a dynamic environment. Focused on designing and delivering the next level of our technical customer service experience. A successful candidate will communicate with confidence and clarity to both technical and non-technical people and reassure all stakeholders through any technical process. The position also involves working with the sales team on our solutions and value propositions while supporting them as needed.

• Work with sales, operations, and marketing teams to develop new products.

• Mentor and assist junior engineers with various tasks and projects.

• Participate in preparation of product requirements, definitions, and specifications.

• Lead the mechanical product design process, including CAD design, detailed product drawings, Bill-Of-Materials creation, material and finish specifications, vendor selection, assembly instructions, FEA, cost analysis, etc.

• Investigate and determine technical root cause analysis or failure investigations

• Design products using different manufacturing methods based on the design requirements, including sheet metal, injection molded plastics, extrusions, castings, etc.

• Create CAD models and dimensional drawings from rough sketches, models, written or verbal direction, and/or marked up engineering drawings using SolidWorks. Assist junior engineers with the software.

• Conduct cost analysis and contribute to cost reduction efforts on existing products.

• Build prototypes to test functionality and fit.

• Work with outside vendors to quote and source components.

• Collaborate with other functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Utilize 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) to create views, angles, and exploded views for step-by-step procedure for use in technical manuals/ documents.

• Working knowledge of electrical concepts and circuit diagrams

• Experience with various materials, coatings, and finishes.

• Performs additional duties as requested.

• Preparing artwork (using Adobe Illustrator) for use in technical manuals, reports, product brochures, and spec sheets.

• Creating layout/ format of technical documents, reports, product brochures, and spec sheets using Adobe InDesign.

• Producing life-like product renderings of growing product line using rendering software (Keyshot).

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with at least 7 years of practical experience in a similar industry/field.

• Experience in a technical support or customer-facing role is a requirement.

• Creative problem solving; if you don't know the answer, then you need to know how to find a way to it.

• Multi-tasking with the ability to handle multiple inquiries at once and prioritize them accordingly.

• Clear and efficient communication; able to summarize technical concepts to less technically inclined people and provide succinct instructions to resolve issues.

• Come with intellect and drive, we’ll teach you the rest. You don’t need to know fiber, but conceptual design experience will help you grow.

• Ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. The ability to learn quickly and continuously and maintain a flexible and adaptive mindset necessary for a fast-paced environment.

• A proactive, self-driven mindset where your growth is dependent on you.

Why Join Us

• Cutting-Edge Technology – Opportunities to work on the forefront of fiber optic technology.

• Professional Development – We’re committed to your growth, offering resources, career development, and a culture where your voice is heard.

• Fun Team Environment – Monthly team bonding events, free lunches, and activities to keep us connected.

• Flexible Paid Time Off – Take time when you need it, with PTO that grows over time plus 10 paid holidays, including two floating holidays to use at your discretion.

• 401(k) Match – we offer up to 5% company match to help you plan for your future.

Ready to Build the Future? Apply now