FAIRVIEW Sr Manufacturing Engineer, New Product Development NC 28730

Job Overview

As a Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in launching new products, developing, and implementing manufacturing technologies, and driving continuous improvement across operations. You’ll collaborate with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to develop processes that support innovative new products while optimizing production, enhancing cost efficiency, and maintaining TE’s commitment to quality and safety standards.

This is an onsite position located in Fairview, NC. TE is open to relocating the qualified candidate for this position. 

Job Requirements

New Product & Process Development

• Execute deliverables for the NPD Phase Gate process.
• Provide DFM/DFA feedback during early product design stages.
• Conduct PFMEAs and implement high-risk mitigation strategies.
• Leverage ME tools to support development and qualification of manufacturing processes (e.g., capability studies, sample builds, FAIs).
• Collaborate on cost estimation for new product concepts.
• Ensure new process and equipment compliance with TE safety and ergonomic policies.

Production Optimization

• Design, develop, and deploy equipment, tooling, and fixtures for fiber optic assemblies.
• Analyze and improve line layouts (material flow, ergonomics, waste reduction).
• Use Lean Manufacturing tools to reduce cost, improve quality, and increase throughput.
• Lead and support capital expenditure (CER) processes including justification and ROI analysis.
• Support root cause analysis using DMAIC, 5 Whys, 8D, and other problem-solving tools.

Manufacturing Support

• • Sustain and improve current manufacturing processes with a focus on fiber optic assemblies.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing instructions, routings, and specifications for new product introduction.
  • Support data collection and perform statistical analysis to ensure process control.
  • Utilize statistical and DOE methods to develop and optimize new manufacturing processes.
  • Work closely with quality teams to define process limits and manage material specs, aligning process capabilities with product requirements.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for fiber optic manufacturing processes across TE’s global operations footprint.

What your background should look like

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Optical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in fiber optics, electrical connectivity, tooling design, or wire crimping technologies.
• Experience introducing new products as part of a project team.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years related to fiber optic products.
• Experience with machine/process design and deployment into production.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; hands-on and proactive approach.
• Familiarity with BOMs, routings, MES, and change management systems.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Exposure to programming languages or systems used in MES/database management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable working in cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing principles (Green or Black Belt certification preferred).

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA) is a plus.

Other Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (ITAR/EAR compliance).
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs and work extended periods at a computer or on the production floor.

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Competencies