TE Connectivity specializes in designing and manufacturing connectivity and sensor solutions that ensure reliable data, power, and communication in various devices, particularly in harsh environments across multiple industries including transportation,...

TE Connectivity

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world. 
 
Job Overview 
 
Data communications applications change at an exponential pace, and TE Connectivity’s Digital Data Networks Business Unit (DDN BU) is at the heart of a continuously expanding connected life. 
 
As the R&D Product Development Engineer – Optical System Architect (SA), you will drive the next generation of Technology innovations in the Optical connectivity area. You will be focused on pluggable optical transceivers, near/co-package optical transceivers, optical interconnects for advanced AI/HPC environment, compute, storage, and networking hardware markets. 
 
You will apply your technical expertise and industry knowledge to influence the BU strategy and contribute to key product/technology decisions. You will collaborate closely with the Business Development and Strategy teams on M&A scenarios and projects, performing technical evaluations and assessing how the technology will intersect with future product/technology trends and the needs of our customers and industry. This role reports to the Director, leading the broader SA organization. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
 
Team Leadership & Talent Development 
 

* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of optical system architects and technical experts.
* Set clear goals, prioritize initiatives, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
* Attract top optical engineering talent and grow internal capability to support advanced development initiatives.
* Proactively identify and assess technology disruptors, translating emerging trends into strategic R&D initiatives and product development roadmaps to maintain TE’s industry leadership.
* Cultivate and strengthen customer partnerships, fostering co-development opportunities and collaborative innovation to accelerate next-gen infrastructure advancements.
* Drive thought leadership by educating and influencing internal and external stakeholders, from executives and product teams to key decision-makers in customer organizations, on emerging industry trends, TE’s technical capabilities, and high-value engineering solutions. 
 
 

Technical Strategy & System Architecture 
 

* Guide the team in defining and delivering system-level architectures for pluggable, co-packaged (CPO), and near-packaged optics (NPO) across electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical domains.
* Oversee technical assessments, modeling, and optimization of next-gen interconnects for performance, scalability, power efficiency, and manufacturability.
* Ensure alignment between TE’s product portfolio and evolving standards such as PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, and InfiniBand, especially as they relate to AI/ML workloads.
* Drive technical due diligence for potential partnerships, acquisitions, and ecosystem collaborations, ensuring TE stays at the forefront of innovation. 
 
 

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Program Execution 
 

* Collaborate across ASIC, packaging, SI/PI, photonics, and manufacturing teams to deliver manufacturable, scalable optical solutions.
* Ensure team alignment with product management, marketing, and commercial teams to position technical innovations in support of business growth.
* Oversee execution of high-impact technical programs, balancing innovation with time-to-market and commercial feasibility. 
 
 

Strategic Impact & Innovation Leadership 
 

* Translate long-term industry and technology trends into actionable architectural strategies for TE’s optical portfolio.
* Lead technical due diligence in support of M&A and strategic partnership opportunities.
* Drive IP generation and support technical publications, reinforcing TE’s reputation as a leader in optical interconnects.
* Represent TE in customer discussions and industry forums as a subject matter expert in co-packaged optics. 
 
 

Job Requirements 
 


* Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Engineering Management; a dual degree in business or MBA is a plus.
* 12+ years of technical experience in data center, compute, AI, networking, or storage industry, with at least 5+ years leading multi-disciplinary teams.
* Technical expertise in high-speed optical engineering and design.
* Hands-on experience in the design and testing of optical transceivers and optical components. Silicon Photonics background HIGHLY desired.
* Proven track record of leading and motivating geographically dispersed, high-performance engineering teams with the ability to develop technical talent and drive innovation.
* Ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously, balancing strategic and tactical execution.
* Strong relationship-building skills, with experience engaging with external customers, industry leaders, and internal executives.
* Expertise in high-speed signaling, and electrical/optical interconnects is a plus
* Willingness to travel (25-30%) for customer engagements, industry events, and TE development sites. 
 
 

What Your Background Should Look Like 
 


* Deep technical expertise in optical communications and interconnect technologies
* Strong understanding of AI/HPC and data center infrastructure environments
* Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing, globally distributed engineering teams
* Ability to connect technology with business strategy and influence decision-making
* Experience (or strong exposure) to M&A activities and technical due diligence
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across customers and internal organizations
* Demonstrated ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into innovation and product strategies
* Experience working in cross-functional environments (ASIC, packaging, SI/PI, photonics, manufacturing, etc.)
* Strategic mindset with the ability to define long-term technology roadmaps and product direction 
 
 

Competencies 
 
SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)