Staff Engineer – Product Development (Contact Systems)

Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, develops interconnect solutions for communications, mobile, RF, optics, and commercial electronics markets. The Staff Engineer will lead product development initiatives for power connectors, contact systems, and cable assemblies, providing technical leadership from concept through production. The role also focuses on design optimization, validation, cross-functional collaboration, cost reduction, manufacturing support, and mentoring engineering talent.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design reviews, ensuring technical rigor, cross-functional alignment, and alignment to customer expectations
• Drive cost reduction through innovative design, material optimization, and manufacturing improvements
• Introduce and champion new technologies, tools, and design techniques to enhance performance and efficiency
• Provide deep technical guidance and mentorship across the product development lifecycle
• Lead training programs to elevate engineering capability, especially in power connector design and applications
• Capture lessons-learned and implement best practices and standardized design approaches
• Support full-cycle development of power connectors, contact systems, and cable assemblies from concept through production
• Design and optimize electrical contact systems (current carrying capability, contact resistance, thermal performance, plating, and durability)
• Develop robust strain relief solutions to ensure mechanical integrity and long-term reliability of cable-to-connector interfaces
• Design sealed connectors and interfaces, including gasket selection, IP rating compliance, and environmental performance (dust, water, temperature)
• Translate Voice of Customer (VOC) into clear engineering specifications through close collaboration with customers and internal teams
• Perform concept development, feasibility studies, and mechanical/thermal simulations
• Create 2D/3D CAD designs (Creo preferred), conduct DFMEA, and perform tolerance stack-up analysis
• Build prototypes, execute validation testing, and lead product qualification to final release
• Ensure designs meet electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements across applications
• Support manufacturing, tooling, and quality teams for successful product launch
• Manage product issues, ECNs/PCNs, and drive continuous improvement
• Provide technical documentation including design history files, drawings, engineering change notices, and qualification reports
• Collaborate with global teams, procurement, and suppliers to meet all quality, technical, and cost targets
• Maintain awareness of competitor technologies and contribute to the strategic IP positioning of new designs. Generate and maintain technical documentation (drawings, specifications, DFMEA, validation reports, DHF)
• Collaborate with global engineering, procurement, and suppliers to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) for connector and cable solutions
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and contribute to innovation and IP strategy in power connectivity

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Engineering
• Minimum 6 years of experience in mechanical design and product development within electrical components, connector systems, or cable assemblies
• Strong expertise in connector design (preferably power connectors), including:

• Contact systems (high current, low resistance, plating, wear)
• Sealing systems (IP-rated connectors, gaskets, environmental protection)
• Strain relief and cable interface design

• Strong background in connector, or cable assembly design and related manufacturing processes (stamping, molding, assembly, plating)
• Expertise in 3D CAD design (preferably Creo), PDM tools, GD&T, and limit/tolerance analysis
• Proficient with FEA software (Ansys/Workbench) for mechanical simulation involving elastic/plastic deformation
• Skilled in creating product specifications, design documentation, and conducting DFMEA and validation testing
• Solid understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and experience launching designs into production
• Proven leadership experience with ability to influence across engineering, manufacturing, and customer functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with ability to operate in a global, cross-functional environment
• Advanced problem-solving abilities and data-driven decision making under limited direction
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (Teams, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong experience in designing latching mechanisms, sealing mechanisms, and plastic injection molded parts
• Knowledge of product design methodologies: GD&T, DFM, DFMEA, statistical tolerance stack analysis
• Experience in product testing, validation processes, and qualification protocols
• Understanding of Six Sigma and statistical process control (DFSS knowledge is a plus)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information to global customers and internal stakeholders
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of global industry standards and regulatory certifications (e.g., UL, IEC, EIA)
• High technical aptitude and willingness to continually learn and adapt to new technologies
• DFSS knowledge