Product Development Designer

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1.5B in revenue, and employ approximately 7,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• Flexible time off policy
• A hybrid office schedule for qualifying employees
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advance with an industry leading company!

Job Summary

The Product Development Designer is primarily responsible for supporting product development engineering projects from concept through development, testing and industrialization while following a formal stage-gate process utilizing industry recognized project management practices. The Designer may work independently on projects or on a team under the direction of an Engineer or Project Manager. The Designer will also provide local CAD and Product Data Management software system support.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new OSP (Outside Plant) and ISP (Inside Plant) fiber optic connectivity, management and splicing apparatus products.
• Conduct product design, detailing and fitment verifications. Develop manufacturing drawings and associated design documentation.
• Conduct tolerance analysis and analyze CAD models to ensure proper fitment of parts within assemblies.
• Coordinate and build engineering prototypes for design verification of fitment and performance testing.
• Conduct post design verification testing analysis, as needed, to identify potential design improvement opportunities.
• Apply engineering analysis to make data-driven design decisions.
• Apply DFx principles (Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, etc.).
• Contribute to DFMEA/PFMEA (Design/Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis).
• Interface with cross-functional project teams consisting of product management, application engineering, process and manufacturing engineering, quality, and development engineering during all phases of product development.
• Serve as a CAD and CAD file database administrator for the local working team.
• Gain and apply comprehensive understanding of fiber optic product installation, test and application methods to all new product development projects.
• Provide internal and external customers with product design, applications, and fiber expertise as needed.
• Adhere to and promote the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL.
• Perform other product development related duties as required.

Personal Qualities

• Initiative – willingness to take on additional responsibilities
• Teamwork – works effectively in a cross-functional team environment
• Communication – possess strong written and verbal skills
• Flexible - detail oriented and able to quickly adapt under pressure to meet deadlines

Qualifications

• 2-year degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Design, etc.) or other similar technical discipline/equivalent experience.
• Parametric solid modeling experience (SolidWorks preferred)
• Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, sheet metal forming, machining, etc.)
• Molded plastic part design knowledge
• Experience working within an ISO-9001 quality management system
• Strong interest or aptitude in providing CAD software and file management support as well as providing CAD user support
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and teamwork skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Fiber Optic industry experience, especially design, development, and/or applications
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative solutions and designs
• Experience working within an intellectual property sensitive competitive environment
• 2+ years technical experience conducting new product development, co-op student or inter experience is acceptable
• Sheet metal and/or plastic sealed enclosure development and testing experience
• Enclosure cable entry sealing technology experience

Working Conditions

• Office environment with some interaction with manufacturing and testing personnel.
• Hybrid office work schedule with 3 days in office nominally. Additional office time may be required as needed by project demands.
• Some (limited) travel may be required.