Principal Structural & Mechanical Analysis Engineer - Remote within the U.S.

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

The Digital Data Networks (DDN) Business Unit is seeking a highly skilled and driven PRINCIPAL R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER within the Advanced Development (AD) team. In this key technical role, you will be responsible for spearheading structural mechanics, thermal-mechanical coupling, and multi-physics modeling to rapidly screen, evaluate, and down-select next-generation high-speed interconnect technology concepts. You will tackle critical engineering challenges across switches, servers, data storage systems, and AI hardware platforms—pushing the boundaries of density, signal integrity, and mechanical reliability.

As a senior technical contributor in the DDN Advanced Development team, you will establish first-principles analytical models and high-fidelity simulations to generate decision-quality performance predictions. You will lead simulation-driven design trade-offs, drive model-to-test correlation, and partner closely with cross-functional teams including Signal Integrity, Mechanical Design, Product Management, and Front-Line Product Engineering (PDE/NPI). Additionally, you will play an instrumental role in shaping the team’s Advanced Simulation roadmap and maturing virtual prototyping methodologies.

Key qualifications include a proven track record of superior technical expertise in finite element analysis (FEA), advanced mechanical and thermal-mechanical modeling, and a passion for engineering innovation. You are expected to drive prediction-driven decision-making through rigorous model verification and validation (V&V), clearly communicate engineering trade-offs, and mentor engineering peers in best simulation practices.

Job Requirements

• Lead the development, application, and continuous improvement of first-principles engineering analysis, FEA modeling, and multi-physics simulation to down-select solution concepts.

• Build first principles and reduced-order mechanical/thermal models to quickly screen early architectures and identify scaling limits.
• Execute advanced high-fidelity non-linear structural and thermal-mechanical simulations (e.g., elastoplastic deformation, creep, stress relaxation, thermal expansion/CTE mismatch, contact mechanics, and insertion/retention force).
• Perform sensitivity studies, tolerance stack-ups, and statistical variation analyses to understand assembly robustness, coplanarity, and risk early in the product lifecycle.
• Partner with design engineers to define simulation-ready geometry, boundary conditions, and loading scenarios supported by GD&T interpretation.
• Handle complex FEA models involving hundreds of components in high-speed interconnect systems to build high-fidelity simulation models. Simplify models as appropriate to balance simulation accuracy, computational efficiency, and delivery timelines.
• Deliver comprehensive simulation reports, actionable design recommendations, and technical presentations to drive executive and architectural down-selection.
• Define and lead physical prototype test plans; actively partner with test labs to execute model verification and validation (V&V), correlate experimental data with simulation results, and calibrate constitutive material models.
• Collaborate with PDE/NPI teams to ensure smooth handoff of validated simulation models, design guidelines, and predictive methodologies for commercialization.
• Champion simulation process automation, script development, and methodology standardization across the engineering group.
• Maintain deep awareness of cutting-edge simulation tools, high-performance computing (HPC/Cloud), advanced material systems, and emerging packaging/interconnect technologies.

What your background should look like

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; Master’s Degree or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• Generally requires 8–10+ years of progressive engineering experience in high-fidelity FEA and structural/thermal-mechanical analysis in high-tech electromechanical products, connectors, high-speed interconnects, or electronic packaging.
• Recognized technical expert in commercial FEA platforms (e.g., Ansys Mechanical, preferred) with demonstrated mastery in non-linear materials, complex contact interfaces, dynamic response, and thermal-stress coupling.
• Strong practical experience in test correlation and model calibration (e.g., strain gauge testing, displacement/force measurement, thermal warpage profiling).
• Deep understanding of high-speed interconnect architecture, micro-contact physics, spring pin design, socket/cable assemblies, and CTE management in AI/compute hardware environments.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD platforms (Creo and SpaceClaim preferred) for geometric defeaturing, parameterization, and simulation prep.
• Experience with cloud/HPC simulation environments (e.g., Rescale) and automation scripting (Python, MATLAB) is a plus.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, global R&D environment, translating complex technical findings into actionable engineering guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Competencies

• Values: Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork, Innovation
• Technical Leadership & Influence (Individual Contributor track)
• Problem Solving & Analytical Rigor

ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY

TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.

Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

COMPENSATION
•    Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $158,200 – 197,800 (subject to change dependent on physical location)
•    Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
•    Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits

BENEFITS
•    A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.

EOE, Including Disability/Vets

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