Product Development Engineer (hybrid)

Product Development Engineer

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 9,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

The Product Development Engineer will be based in Dallas, TX and will be responsible for leading Inside Plant (ISP) product development projects from Concept through Design, Development, Testing and Industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process. The Product Development Engineer will drive technical solutions that meet customer requirements utilizing a Stage-Gate process that includes gate reviews, formal and informal communication to commercial & business teams, and frequent in-depth technical reviews with the project leaders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead new product development projects from Concept through Design, Development, Testing and Industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process.
• Design and develop new ISP (Inside Plant) fiber optic connectivity, cable management, and splicing apparatus products utilizing advanced 3D modeling and analysis software (SolidWorks, Finite Element Analysis, Mold Flow, etc.).
• Collaborate with Product Line Managers, Applications Engineers, Market Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, Designers during all phases of product development and to support existing products.
• Apply engineering analysis to make data-driven design decisions.
• Lead and/or contribute to testing, process, materials, capital, and quality improvement projects.
• Gain and apply comprehensive understanding of fiber optic product installation, factory & field test, and application methods to all new product development projects.
• Develop, run, and analyze experiments for new and existing products, processes, and materials.
• Coordinate and build engineering prototypes for design verification testing.
• Write test plans and oversee development and qualification testing.
• Conduct post design verification testing analysis, as needed, to identify potential design improvement opportunities.
• Apply DFMEA/PFMEA (Design/Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis) and Mold Flow analysis.
• Provide internal and external customers with product, applications, and fiber expertise as needed.
• Adhere to and promote the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL.
• Perform other product development related duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or other similar technical discipline/equivalent experience).
• Parametric Solid Modeling Experience (SolidWorks, PTC CREO, Autodesk, NX).
• 3-5 years of technical experience conducting product development.
• Familiar with Industry Project Management practices.
• Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, sheet metal forming, machining, bonding, etc.).
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and teamwork skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to support new product development projects from concept through design, development, testing and Industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process using industry recognized project management practices.

Personal Qualities:

• Initiative – willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
• Teamwork – works effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Communication – possess strong written and verbal skills.
• Flexible - detail oriented and able to quickly adapt under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Experience – has new product development engineering experience and is capable of managing complex projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Fiber Optic industry experience, especially design, development, and/or applications.
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative solutions/designs (Patents, Intellectual Property).
• Technical experience with plastic product development.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment interacting with manufacturing and testing personnel.
• Hybrid office work schedule with additional office time required as needed by project and/or business demands.
• Domestic and international travel up to 25% may be required.