US Conec

Fiber optic connector and ferrule manufacturer

Vice President, Optical Interconnect Technology

Engineering LeadershipConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeHickory, NC, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline is required.
At least 15 years of experience in fiber optic components, passive optical devices, optical connectivity, optical connectors, or precision optical interconnect manufacturing is required.
At least 5 years of experience in senior engineering, technology, innovation, or R&D leadership roles is required.
Deep expertise in optical connector design, optical interconnect systems, and industry testing standards such as IEC, TIA, and Telcordia is required.
Proven success developing and executing product technology roadmaps and innovation strategies is required.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering organizations and complex technology programs is required.
A strong background in new product introduction from customer engagement through commercialization and production ramp-up is required.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across optical design, mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing, and quality and reliability functions is required.
A track record of technology innovation, patent development, and intellectual property creation is required.
Strong business acumen and the ability to align technology investments with strategic business goals are required.
Experience managing R&D budgets, capital investments, and engineering resource planning is required.
Experience with optical connector design, optical interconnect systems, and industry testing standards such as IEC, TIA, and Telcordia is required.
The ability to collaborate across technical, operational, commercial, and executive stakeholders is required.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities are required.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; individuals needing sponsorship now or in the future are ineligible.

Responsibilities

Lead global research and development efforts focused on next-generation passive optical interconnect technologies, precision ferrules, and multifiber connector solutions.
Develop and execute short- and long-term technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives, market trends, customer needs, and growth strategies.
Establish and communicate a technology vision that advances innovation, manufacturability, product performance, and competitive differentiation.
Partner with executive leadership to define R&D priorities, technology investments, and future technical capabilities.
Drive product and process innovation initiatives across engineering and manufacturing functions.
Identify, evaluate, and commercialize emerging technologies, breakthrough products, and intellectual property opportunities.
Oversee new product development programs from concept through commercialization and high-volume production.
Ensure products meet performance, quality, reliability, regulatory, and industry-standard requirements.
Establish best practices for product design, engineering processes, design validation, and reliability testing.
Advance engineering excellence through process optimization, precision molding technologies, manufacturing innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, suppliers, research institutions, industry organizations, and development partners.
Monitor competitive technologies, industry trends, and market developments to inform strategic planning and innovation efforts.
Represent the company at customer engagements, technical forums, industry conferences, standards organizations, and strategic partnership meetings.
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering, R&D, and innovation teams while supporting succession planning and leadership development.
Contribute to corporate strategy, budgeting, capital planning, and resource allocation as a member of the executive leadership team.
Use customer insights, market intelligence, and technical expertise to guide strategic decision-making and R&D investments.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is preferred.
Experience with precision polymer ferrule technology and high-precision molding processes is preferred.
A background in advanced optical connectivity products and passive optical interconnect solutions is preferred.
Experience working within global technology organizations and leading international engineering teams is preferred.
Expertise evaluating emerging optical, materials, and manufacturing technologies and transforming them into commercial products is preferred.
Industry experience in adjacent markets such as optical fiber and cable, optical assemblies, transceivers, or optical networking technologies is preferred.
Participation in industry standards bodies, technical committees, consortiums, or research collaborations is preferred.

US Conec, Ltd.

Engineering Innovation. Precision Plastics. Powering AI.

US Conec, Ltd. is a trusted, global company that prides itself on engineering excellence—creating innovative connectivity solutions that support today’s most important technologies. We foster a friendly, inclusive culture that values teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect. At US Conec, you’ll find real opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in a company that genuinely cares about its people and its customers. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive environment, this is a place where you can build your future—whether your interests lie in manufacturing, engineering, operations, or beyond.

Vice President, Technology

Overview

US Conec is seeking a Vice President, Optical Interconnect Technology to lead research and development, product technology strategy, and next-generation product development for passive optical interconnect solutions, including MT ferrules, multifiber connectors, and related optical connectivity products. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this role will drive innovation, technology commercialization, and engineering excellence while partnering closely with product management, operations, manufacturing, and commercial teams to accelerate growth and strengthen US Conec’s leadership in the optical connectivity industry.

Responsibilities

Lead global research and development efforts focused on next-generation passive optical interconnect technologies, precision ferrules, and multifiber connector solutions
Develop and execute short- and long-term technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives, market trends, customer needs, and growth strategies
Establish and communicate a clear technology vision that advances innovation, manufacturability, product performance, and competitive differentiation
Partner with executive leadership to define R&D priorities, technology investments, and future technical capabilities
Drive product and process innovation initiatives across engineering and manufacturing functions
Identify, evaluate, and commercialize emerging technologies, breakthrough products, and intellectual property opportunities
Oversee new product development programs from concept through commercialization and high-volume production
Ensure products meet performance, quality, reliability, regulatory, and industry-standard requirements
Establish best practices for product design, engineering processes, design validation, and reliability testing
Advance engineering excellence through process optimization, precision molding technologies, manufacturing innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives
Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, suppliers, research institutions, industry organizations, and development partners
Monitor competitive technologies, industry trends, and market developments to inform strategic planning and innovation efforts
Represent US Conec at customer engagements, technical forums, industry conferences, standards organizations, and strategic partnership meetings
Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering, R&D, and innovation teams while supporting succession planning and leadership development
Contribute to corporate strategy, budgeting, capital planning, and resource allocation as a member of the executive leadership team
Leverage customer insights, market intelligence, and technical expertise to guide strategic decision-making and R&D investments

Must Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline
15+ years of experience in fiber optic components, passive optical devices, optical connectivity, optical connectors, or precision optical interconnect manufacturing
5+ years of experience in senior engineering, technology, innovation, or R&D leadership roles
Deep expertise in optical connector design, optical interconnect systems, and industry testing standards such as IEC, TIA, and Telcordia
Proven success developing and executing product technology roadmaps and innovation strategies
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering organizations and complex technology programs
Strong background in new product introduction (NPI) from customer engagement through commercialization and production ramp-up
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across optical design, mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing, and quality/reliability functions
Track record of technology innovation, patent development, and intellectual property creation
Strong business acumen with the ability to align technology investments to strategic business goals
Experience managing R&D budgets, capital investments, and engineering resource planning
Exceptional leadership, team-building, and organizational development skills
Excellent communication, presentation, and executive influence capabilities
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across technical, operational, commercial, and executive stakeholders
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities

Nice to Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
Experience with precision polymer ferrule technology and high-precision molding processes
Background in advanced optical connectivity products and passive optical interconnect solutions
Experience working within global technology organizations and leading international engineering teams
Expertise evaluating emerging optical, materials, and manufacturing technologies and transforming them into commercial products
Industry experience in adjacent markets such as optical fiber and cable, optical assemblies, transceivers, or optical networking technologies
Participation in industry standards bodies, technical committees, consortiums, or research collaborations

What We Offer

Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
4 weeks of PTO plus paid holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with employer match
A collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement
Opportunities for career growth within a global technology leader

What We Offer

Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
4 weeks of PTO plus paid holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with employer match
A collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement
Opportunities for career growth within a global technology leader

US Conec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Join US Conec today and be part of a team that values each other, promotes innovation and growth, and strives to exceed customer expectations in everything we do.

US Conec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics

About the Company

US Conec

Fiber optic connector and ferrule manufacturer

US Conec designs and manufactures fiber optic connectors and ferrules for high-speed data transmission in data centers and telecom networks. Products include MMC and MDC very-small-form-factor multi-fiber connectors, HEC-DC hardened connectors, ELiMENT duplex LC connectors, and MT and PRIZM ferrules. What sets US Conec apart is its extensive patent portfolio and multi-source licensing with partners like Fujikura, Sumitomo Electric, and CommScope, making its designs industry standards. The goal is to advance fiber density and reliability.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Hickory, NC
Founded: 1992

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