Sr. Development Engineer - ISP Fiber Management Systems & 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 $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:

• Flexible time off policy
• A hybrid office schedule for qualifying employees
• 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 ISP (Inside Plant) fiber management panels, modules/cassettes, splice trays, accessories, and fiber management distribution frames utilizing advanced 3D modeling and analysis software
• Cross functional team leadership interacting with Product Line Managers, Applications Engineers, Market Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, Designers and Patent Attorneys during all phases of product development and to support existing products.
• Contribute to major testing, process, materials, capital, and quality improvement projects
• Gain and apply comprehensive understanding of fiber optic product installation, test and application methods to all new product development projects
• Coordinate and build engineering prototypes for design verification testing
• Conduct post design verification testing analysis, as needed, to identify potential design improvement opportunities
• Apply DFM/DFA principles (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly)
• Completes DFMEA/PFMEA (Design/Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis)
• 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 requested, directed or assigned

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 of applicable inside plant or outside plant fiber connector and cable assembly product knowledge to include uses, applications, standards, and industry trends
• 5+ years of fiber management system (FMS) and fiber distributions frame (FDF) design experience
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication methods and surface treatment/paint processes
• Knowledge of plastic injection part design methodology and material selection
• 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)