Mechanical Hardware Engineer
Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is a world leader in interconnect solutions for Communications, Mobile, RF, Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and coaxial and high-speed specialty cable. ACS has an expansive global presence in research and development, manufacturing, and sales. We design and manufacture a wide range of innovative connectors as well as cable assemblies for diverse applications including server, storage, data center, mobile, RF, networking, industrial, business equipment, and automotive.
Position: Mechanical Hardware Engineer (Data Center Focus)
Location: Valley Green, PA
Amphenol High Speed Products Group is the market leader for high speed, high bandwidth electrical connectors for the Telecom/Datacom market (Mobile Networks, Storage, Servers, Routers, Switches, etc.). Our products help to enable the electronics revolution and remain a key enabler for all the major Tier 1 OEMs globally. We are currently seeking a Mechanical Hardware Engineer to join our High Speed IO Connector team located in Etters, PA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Hardware engineer for High Speed I/O products. Responsible for concept generation, design, verification and qualification of hardware needed to implement High Speed IO products into customer systems. Ensure that the product design is manufacturable and will meet the defined customer requirements - including electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements. The position provides opportunity for close customer interaction. Work as part of a global cross-functional team. Will work closely with internal and external suppliers and manufacturing personnel, supporting the development and validation of product prototypes through pilot production, as well as interfacing with beta-site customers.
- Conceptualize, design, and develop hardware needed to integrate IO connectors into customer systems, from initial proposal to successful tooling and product qualifications.
- Perform Design FMEA, Tolerance Analysis, Design for Manufacturability, FEA, and Risk Analysis.
- Work with Marketing and the customer to define customer needs and functional performance requirements. Assess technical risk.
- Work with internal and external (vendor) manufacturing disciplines including Stamping, Plating, Molding, and Assembly to optimize design for production processes.
- Lead product design reviews.
- Verify accuracy of product drawings and ensure proper usage of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
- Work with Materials Engineering to define metal and polymer material choices based on requirements associated with performance, pricing, and global sourcing.
- Work closely with customers during development of the hardware, Present product concepts to customers early in development cycle, interpret feedback, and incorporate any revised requirements into the design.
- Provide input in defining Product, Application, and Packaging specifications.
- Provide input in defining verification and product qualification test plans.
- Manage the resolution of first article inspections.
- Work closely with NPI and manufacturing engineering to ensure products are transitioned to the manufacturing
- Interact with global associates as is needed during product development and provide mentorship as is appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Science degree in a Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- Proven knowledge & experience in mechanical analysis. (Static & dynamic loading, torsion, compression, tension).
- Proven knowledge & experience with risk assessment, and mitigation in designs.
- Proficiency in the use of CAD software for design and concepting (SolidWorks preferred)
- Proficiency in static and dynamic load analysis using FEA tools (ANSYS preferred)
- Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing principles, and Statistical Engineering methods.
- Understanding and experience with mechanical & environmental testing. Specifically, shock, vibration, drop testing, thermal, environmental stress screening (ESS), temperature/humidity cycling.
- Compliance with relevant standards (e.g., EIA-364-1000)
- Familiarity with test fixtures, environmental chambers, test equipment, and mechanical inspection tools.
- Ability to work effectively within a project team and to direct the activity of others as needed.
- Ability to communicate well with Global Customers and all levels of the organization including Management, Marketing, Sales, Process Engineering, Test Lab personnel, other Engineers (local and global), and Designers (local and global).
- Ability to prioritize work to meet objectives and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with Data Center Infrastructure, such as: Rack and Chassis design; Blade and rack server configurations; Switches, routers, and network topologies; Power distribution units (PDUs) and UPS systems; server and switch assembly, integration, and validation.
- Following experience and/or knowledge is a Plus.
- Substrate processing and integration.
- Experience with hyperscale data center environments (e.g., Meta, Google, AWS).
- Knowledge of high-speed interconnects (PCIe, NVLink, Ethernet, InfiniBand).
- Familiarity with firmware/hardware co-design and system-level integration.
- Knowledge of Backplane interconnect or IO solutions
- In-depth understanding of data center architecture, including:
- Rack and chassis design
- Blade and rack server configurations
- Switches, routers, and network topologies
- Power distribution units (PDUs) and UPS systems
- Experience with server and switch assembly, integration, and validation.
- Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., Open Compute Project, EIA-310 rack standards).
- Expertise in structured cable management, routing, and best practices for:
- Power and data cable routing within and between racks
- Minimizing signal interference and maintaining airflow
- Labeling, bundling, and securing cables for serviceability and scalability
- Familiarity with cable trays, patch panels, and fiber/copper cable types.
- Ability to design and review rack elevation diagrams and cable routing schematics.
- Familiarity with thermal management and airflow considerations in rack-mounted systems.
- Ability to be a leader and mentor to peer engineers
- SpaceClaim (for mechanical interface)
- Crystal Ball (statistical tool)
Amphenol Corporation is proud of our reputation as an excellent employer. Our main focus is to provide the highest level of support and responsiveness to both our employees and our customers, the world's largest technology companies. Amphenol Corporation offers the opportunity for career growth within a global organization. We believe that Amphenol Corporation is unique in that every employee, regardless of his or her position, has the ability to positively impact the business.
Amphenol is an “Equal Opportunity Employer” - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin
For additional company information please visit our website at https://www.amphenol-cs.com/