AFL Global
Product Engineering Manager - Connectivity
AFL Global, Duncan, SC
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 $1.5B in revenue, and employ approximately 7,000 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.
What We Offer:
The Product Development Manager will lead a team of engineers, designers, and technicians charged with designing and launching next-generation products, customer-driven product enhancements, and designs for quality & productivity improvements. Product families include fiber optic connectors and adapters, and inside plant and outside cable assemblies for the Telecom Service Provider, Enterprise, and Hyperscale Markets. The manager will provide oversight and direction of large and small projects utilizing a Stage-Gate process to include gate reviews, formal and informal communication to commercial & business teams, and frequent in-depth technical reviews with the project leaders. The manager will lead efforts and maintain metrics to drive project completion and new product sales. This person will be responsible for leading projects that launch the products and technologies that enable AFL to continue its strong growth in new and existing markets.
Responsibilities
Personal Qualities
Qualifications
Working Conditions: Normal office environment, hybrid work schedule
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
What We Offer:
- Flexible time off policy
- 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 Manager will lead a team of engineers, designers, and technicians charged with designing and launching next-generation products, customer-driven product enhancements, and designs for quality & productivity improvements. Product families include fiber optic connectors and adapters, and inside plant and outside cable assemblies for the Telecom Service Provider, Enterprise, and Hyperscale Markets. The manager will provide oversight and direction of large and small projects utilizing a Stage-Gate process to include gate reviews, formal and informal communication to commercial & business teams, and frequent in-depth technical reviews with the project leaders. The manager will lead efforts and maintain metrics to drive project completion and new product sales. This person will be responsible for leading projects that launch the products and technologies that enable AFL to continue its strong growth in new and existing markets.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with commercial, technical, production, and marketing staff to define project specifications, scope, and deliverables.
- Ensure the team is working within all AFL values to include: customer-focus, innovation, collaboration & accountability, EHS, community engagement and a philosophy of respect within the company, towards our customers, and among all our employees.
- Lead new product development projects from Concept through Design, Development, Testing and Industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process.
- Design and develop new OSP (Outside Plant) and ISP (Inside Plant) fiber optic connector and cable assemblies utilizing advanced 3D modeling and analysis software (CAD/PDM, Finite Element Analysis, Mold Flow, etc.)
- Analyze technological advances, industry standards, applications, and market feedback to prioritize, plan and execute projects.
- Assess existing Intellectual Property, pursue AFL patents, and manage designs to minimize risk and protect AFL's technical position.
- Execute and improve tools, systems, and metrics to ensure both immediate and long-term success.
- Run/oversee prototypes, customer samples, and final qualification products with AFL production and contract manufacturing.
- Direct, review, and approve product designs and changes.
- Engage in personnel recruiting, directing and development.
- Ensure compliance with TL9000 and ISO registrations.
Personal Qualities
- Self-starter with integrity and confidence who strives to achieve even the most challenging environments with limited supervision.
- Team player with well-developed interpersonal skills who is comfortable in a cross-functional, multi-cultural environment.
- Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in and lead self-directed teams / strong leadership skills
- Strong organization skills; ability to manage multiple projects
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Qualifications
- 5+ years of Product Development Experience
- 3+ years Project Management Experience
- 3+ years Supervisory and/or Management experience
- 5+ years of applicable inside plant and outside plant fiber connector and cable assembly product knowledge to include uses, applications, standards, and industry trends
- 3+ years of fiber optic connector design experience
- Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and file management systems, SolidWorks preferred
- Knowledge of US Patent System
- Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems
- Proficiency in Microsoft applications
Working Conditions: Normal office environment, hybrid work schedule
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)