Sr. Product Development Engineer - ISP Fiber Management (hybrid)

Product Development Engineer – Inside Plant Fiber Management Systems and Racks

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. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• Flexible time off policy
• Hybrid: After gaining knowledge of our environment, there is the opportunity for this position to work under our Hybrid schedule working both in the office and remotely
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advance with an industry leading company!

The Product Development Engineer – Inside Plant Fiber Management Systems and Racks will work with cross-functional stakeholders on the development, qualification, release, and industrialization of inside plant (ISP) fiber management systems (FMS) and rack products for Telecom Service Provider, Enterprise, and Hyperscale Markets. 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

• Design and develop new ISP (Inside Plant) fiber optic connectivity, cable management, and racks & enclosures products.
• Collaborate with other project stakeholders to develop product specifications and requirements for complex development projects.
• Conduct product design, detailing and fitment verifications. Develop manufacturing drawings and associated design documentation.
• Conduct tolerance analysis and analyze CAD models to ensure proper fitment of parts within assemblies.
• Coordinate and build engineering prototypes for design verification of fitment and performance testing.
• Lead testing, process, materials, capital, and quality improvement projects.
• Define product testing requirements and plans based on industry standards and other relevant inputs.
• Direct post design verification testing analysis, as needed, to identify potential design improvement opportunities.
• Apply DFx principles (Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, etc.).
• Complete DFMEA/PFMEA (Design/Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis).
• Apply engineering analysis to make data-driven design decisions.
• Use sound engineering principles and practices to develop practical solutions to complex problems and to develop new technologies that serve to evolve AFL's product portfolio.
• Interface with cross-functional project teams consisting of product management, application engineering, process and manufacturing engineering, quality, and development engineering during all phases of product development, including ramp-up and release to manufacturing.
• Gain and apply comprehensive understanding of fiber optic product installation, test and application methods to all new product development projects.
• Provide internal and external customers with product design, applications, and fiber expertise as needed.
• Adhere to and promote the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL.
• Perform other product development related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or other similar technical discipline)
• Parametric solid modeling experience (SolidWorks preferred)
• 8+ years of technical experience conducting new product development.
• Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, sheet metal forming, machining, etc.)
• Substantial experience designing metal rack systems with aluminum and sheet metal.
• Experience working within an ISO-9001 quality management system.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and teamwork skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead 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 a high level of new product development engineering experience and is capable of managing complex projects.

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Fiber Optic industry experience, especially design, development, and/or applications
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative solutions and designs
• Experience analyzing patents and drafting invention disclosures
• Project management experience
• Substantial to moderate sheet metal part design experience
• Knowledge of welded rack assembly for data center applications
• Experience with painting and coating of metal assemblies

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.