Product Engineer Jobs

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 $1B 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.

Job Summary

The Product Engineer is responsible for the development, improvement, delivery, support, modification, and enhancement of new and existing connectivity products for the fiber optic industry. The role requires collaboration between the individual and Engineering, Product Management, Solutions/Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, Marketing, and other teams as well as the end user. The engineer ensures product requirements, specifications, and delivery dates are clearly understood. Assignments range from broad and complex to narrow and generic, which requires considerable knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to make good process decisions.

The Product Engineer will be part of a high-performing team responsible for the design and development of fiber optic connectivity, cable assemblies, fiber management, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The individual will be responsible for the design of fiber optic products to meet customer requirements and industry standards. In addition, he/she will be responsible for ensuring that products are in-line with current manufacturing capabilities within the AFL ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Defines, modifies, and enhances new and existing processes, drawings, presentations, and specifications, from requirements supplied by Engineering, Solutions, Quality, and other internal teams
• Creates product intellectual property and patent submissions at times
• Designs and launches new fiber optic products in line with customer requirements and current engineering systems
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Provides full technical support and advice to internal and external customers as needed
• Interacts and collaborates with all AFL technical teams to define, develop, and deploy processes, procedures, specifications, notifications, and the like
• Develops and maintains product drawings, specifications, and data sheets
• Completes of New Process Development project tasks within agreed timescales
• Creates detailed drawings and models for the purpose of part or product reproduction by teams internal or external to the organization
• Initiates and/or scrutinizes Engineering Change Notices when required to improve manufacturing or meet customer requirements
• Works with internal and external suppliers of materials, equipment, and services to execute projects and resolve issues
• Interfaces with various groups like Applications Engineering and Product Management to develop new product concepts
• Performs product application demonstrations and technical presentations for internal and external customers
• Provides material and process specifications, along with standards required for manufacture or purchase of parts
• Manages design development as new products move through our new product introduction (NPI) stage gate process
• Develops design tools and methodology for fiber optic connectivity, cable assemblies, and fiber management products
• Delivers key results as measured by annual KPI’s set by the business
• Defines, measures, and monitors process performance metrics to identify opportunities for product and process improvement
• Interacts with customers on technical and quality related topics or issues
• Interprets Customer Drawings/Specifications and apply to AFL Hyperscale products and processes
• Designs incremental product improvements/enhancements to meet specific customer requests

Personal Qualities

• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Self-starter with integrity and confidence who strives to achieve even the most challenging environments with limited supervision.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with MS Office Applications
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and teamwork skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Team player with well-developed interpersonal skills who is comfortable in a cross-functional, multi-cultural environment.

Qualifications

• Clear understanding of documented workflows and how to create them
• S. in Engineering, Science, or combination of technical experience and education,
• Experience in electronic and mechanical systems
• Proficient technical and third person writing skills
• Experience with fiber optic assembly and test methods
• Ability to work overtime as required
• Proficiency in using MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience using SolidWorks and other 3D design & drawing tools
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems; Oracle and/or Great Plains a plus
• High work ethic and sense of urgency
• Clear communication skills and the ability to ascertain and transfer knowledge to paper
• Experience leading projects and/or self-directed work teams
• 4 to 6 years of experience in product introduction or product development,

Working Conditions

• Manual dexterity used frequently with repetitive finger motion.
• Light travel
• Typical office environment
• Required to sit for most the day with occasional walking around the facility.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.