Director, Product Development Engineering - Optics

Job Overview

AI and hyperscale computing are fundamentally changing data-center architecture, making optics increasingly critical to how advanced systems connect and scale.

TE Connectivity is developing the next generation of optical interconnect technologies, spanning fiber connectivity and structured cabling, free-space optics, precision optical interfaces, and high-volume manufacturing solutions.

The Director, Product Development Engineering will build and rapidly scale a world-class engineering organization with the talent, technical capabilities, processes, and infrastructure required to support the extraordinary growth of AI and hyperscale infrastructure. This leader will establish the engineering vision and operating model, strengthen technical and organizational capabilities, and develop the next generation of engineering leaders

The role spans free-space optics, fiber connectivity and structured cabling, precision optical and mechanical systems, plastics and polymers, metals, glass and optical materials, precision assembly, and high-volume manufacturing for AI, hyperscale data-center, optical communications, and high-performance computing applications.

Location: There is a strong preference for the selected candidate to be based in Rochester, NY and be able to work in a hybrid setting. We will offer relocation for the selected candidate if needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and scale the engineering organization, including organizational structure, talent, capabilities, capacity, and strategic investments.


• Establish clear engineering direction, processes, technical standards, and decision-making practices that improve speed, quality, and overall effectiveness.


• Develop the technologies, platforms, processes, and reusable engineering capabilities needed to rapidly address emerging customer and market opportunities.


• Balance near-term customer and product-development priorities with longer-term technology exploration, capability development, and risk reduction.


• Translate advanced technologies and innovative concepts into practical, reliable, cost-effective products and scalable, high-volume manufacturing solutions.


• Develop and mentor Sr. Managers, emerging engineering leaders, and technical experts while strengthening succession and creating opportunities for career growth.


• Foster collaboration across TE’s global engineering, manufacturing, materials, automation, and technology organizations to leverage capabilities, expertise, and best practices.


• Build and maintain a strong external technology ecosystem across strategic suppliers, equipment and process partners, technology and IP providers, and specialized engineering resources.


• Partner closely with Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing, customers, and senior leadership to align technical strategy with business and market priorities.


• Establish an engineering organization recognized for technical depth, execution, innovation, process excellence, and the ability to scale.

What your background should look like

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred.


• Typically 15+ years of engineering or product-development experience, including significant progressive engineering leadership experience.


• Proven success building and leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations through significant growth, transformation, or change.


• Strong technical foundation across relevant areas such as optics, fiber connectivity, precision mechanical systems, materials, plastics, metals, glass, precision manufacturing, or high-volume assembly.


• Technical depth and judgment to challenge assumptions, assess technical risk, guide complex decisions, and earn the credibility of experienced engineers and technical experts.


• Demonstrated ability to improve engineering effectiveness through organizational design, talent and capability development, processes, tools, and disciplined technical decision-making.


• Experience translating emerging or advanced technologies into practical products and scalable manufacturing approaches.


• Experience in fast-moving technology markets such as hyperscale data centers, optical communications, high-performance computing, or semiconductor technology strongly preferred.


• Proven ability to build productive internal and external technical networks across customers, suppliers, technology partners, manufacturing organizations, and global engineering teams.


• Strong business judgment, communication, collaboration, and influencing skills across technical and business stakeholders.


• Ability to balance immediate execution needs with longer-term technology strategy and capability development.


• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Competencies