TECHNICAL SPECIALIST I

About the role

At TE Connectivity, you will work with diverse teams to create a safer, sustainable, and more connected world. As a Technical Specialist – Fiber Termination & Laboratory Testing in the Digital Data Networks (DDN) Business Unit, you will support the development and validation of advanced fiber optic connectivity products for AI and hyperscale computing infrastructure. Responsibilities include executing sophisticated fiber termination processes, operating advanced optical test equipment and environmental chambers, and ensuring product quality through meticulous assembly and validation procedures under the guidance of lab managers and product development engineers. Operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY, with a transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIT) upon completion.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision termination of single-fiber and multifiber optical assemblies, including LC, SC, MPO, MT, MDC, FAUs, and other optical interconnect technologies.
• Perform fiber preparation activities including stripping, cleaning, mechanical cleaving, laser cleaving, fiber handling, ribbon preparation, and cable preparation.
• Execute fiber polishing, adhesive bonding, curing, fixturing, alignment, and other precision assembly processes.
• Build prototypes, development samples, and qualification units in support of engineering activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate new assembly concepts, improve processes, and assess manufacturability.
• Read and follow engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and development procedures while documenting process parameters and observations.
• Perform visual inspection and dimensional verification of fibers, connectors, components, and assemblies using microscopes, imaging systems, and other precision measurement equipment.
• Perform optical testing and characterization using equipment such as optical power meters, insertion loss/return loss systems, interferometer, reflectometer, beam measurement equipment, and other fiber optic test instrumentation.
• Perform mechanical and environmental testing including temperature/humidity exposure, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, pull/force testing, and other product qualification tests.
• Prepare samples and fixtures, execute established test procedures, collect data, and document test results for engineering review.
• Support troubleshooting, failure investigations, and comparative measurements of prototype or failed samples.
• Operate and maintain fiber processing, inspection, measurement, and test equipment.
• Perform routine equipment checks and basic troubleshooting and support preventive maintenance and calibration activities.
• Maintain laboratory materials, consumables, fixtures, tools, and test samples.
• Maintain accurate assembly and test records and follow laboratory safety, quality, traceability, and housekeeping requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, fixtures, assembly methods, and test efficiency.

Requirements

• High school diploma, vocational/technical diploma, or equivalent technical training in fiber optics, electronics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in fiber optic termination, optical assembly, precision manufacturing, or a laboratory testing environment.
• Hands-on experience with fiber preparation, termination, polishing, connector assembly, or related precision assembly processes.
• Strong manual dexterity and ability to work with very small components and tight tolerances.
• Ability to operate laboratory, inspection, and measurement equipment.
• Ability to read drawings, specifications, procedures, and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a product-development environment where priorities and processes may evolve.

Qualifications

• Experience with multifiber connectors, MPO/MT assemblies, FAUs, or other high-density optical connectivity products.
• Experience with optical testing, physical metrology, mechanical testing, or environmental chambers.
• Familiarity with automated or semi-automated laboratory equipment.
• Basic experience with laboratory data acquisition or analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, LabVIEW, Python, or similar software.
• Fiber optic certification such as CFOT, CPCT, or equivalent.

Competencies

• Integrity