Process Engineer
US Conec · Hickory, NC · 2 wk ago
On-siteEngineeringFull-time
About the role
US Conec is seeking a Process Engineer to support the development, qualification, industrialization, and continuous improvement of fiber optic connector assembly and termination processes. This role partners closely with Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Product Management, Global Sales, customers, and equipment suppliers to create capable, repeatable, and well-documented manufacturing processes that drive product quality and performance.
Responsibilities
- Develop expertise in fiber optic connector assembly and termination processes, including equipment, materials, process variables, measurement methods, and sources of variation
- Support the development, validation, and industrialization of new and existing manufacturing processes for fiber optic connectivity products
- Design and execute process characterization, verification, validation, and capability studies to ensure process performance and compliance with customer and industry requirements
- Plan and conduct engineering experiments to evaluate process settings, materials, equipment interactions, and manufacturing methods
- Analyze process and product performance data, including insertion loss, return loss, ferrule quality, and end-face geometry, using statistical and engineering methodologies
- Investigate process-related quality issues and support root-cause analysis for manufacturing concerns, qualification failures, and customer-reported issues
- Develop and maintain process maps that identify critical inputs, outputs, controls, measurement points, and opportunities for process improvement
- Perform tolerance analyses to assess the impact of process, equipment, material, and dimensional variation on product quality and optical performance
- Support engineering change management activities for new or modified processes, tooling, equipment, and documentation
- Evaluate fiber optic termination and assembly equipment for capability, repeatability, usability, and compatibility with US Conec products and applications
- Apply knowledge of fiber optic polishing processes to process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Identify opportunities to improve process capability, yield, efficiency, repeatability, and robustness across manufacturing operations
- Create and maintain process instructions, equipment guides, best-practice documentation, engineering reports, test plans, and technical recommendations
- Provide process-focused technical support to internal teams and customers requiring detailed analysis, troubleshooting, and engineering expertise
- Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and external partners to investigate process performance and translate field observations into process improvements
- Maintain project schedules, communicate progress, and provide regular updates to stakeholders
- Present technical findings, recommendations, and conclusions to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Represent US Conec in customer meetings, supplier discussions, industry organizations, conferences, webinars, and technical forums as needed
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 2-5 years of engineering experience in fiber optics, connector technology, precision manufacturing, process engineering, connectivity, cable manufacturing, or a related technical industry
- Strong understanding of process development, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and making data-driven recommendations
- Knowledge of process capability, engineering statistics, measurement systems, and root-cause analysis techniques
- Ability to analyze manufacturing and product performance data to drive process improvements and resolve technical issues
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, process mapping, process controls, and sources of variation
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, work instructions, and technical standards
- Strong technical writing skills with the ability to create process documentation, reports, test plans, and work instructions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a hands-on engineering mindset
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Qualifications
- Experience with optical fiber termination, connector assembly, or fiber optic connectivity products
- Knowledge of fiber optic polishing processes, equipment, and associated quality measurements
- Experience with insertion loss, return loss, end-face geometry, ferrule inspection, or related optical performance metrics
- Proficiency with statistical and data analysis tools such as JMP, Minitab, or MATLAB
- Experience evaluating manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automation solutions
- Exposure to engineering change management and product industrialization programs
- Experience working directly with customers, equipment suppliers, or contract manufacturing partners
- Familiarity with ERP systems, process mapping software, and engineering collaboration tools
- Knowledge of telecommunications, data center, broadband, or optical networking technologies
Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
- 4 weeks of PTO plus paid holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- A collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement
- Opportunities for career growth within a global technology leader
Pay
Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential