Position: Mechanical Test Engineer

Location:  Etters, PA

Amphenol High Speed Products Group develops high speed, high bandwidth electrical connectors for telecom and datacom applications, including servers, storage, routers, switches, and mobile networks. We are building a product test lab in Etters, Pennsylvania to support product qualifications and one off engineering tests. The lab will work with product development, signal integrity, manufacturing, quality, and sustaining engineering.

Position Summary:

Lead mechanical and environmental evaluation of connector products from early development through qualification. The engineer develops robust methods and fixtures, directs hands on testing with lab technicians, and turns force, deformation, and durability data into decisions about product performance.

Responsibilities:

• Translate product requirements and engineering questions into documented test plans with clear sample definitions, acceptance criteria, controls, and reporting requirements.
• Own test setup and method development, including fixtures, instrument selection, calibration status, repeatability checks, and safe operation; partner with lab technicians on execution and sample preparation.
• Maintain traceable records of sample identity, conditions, raw data, calculations, deviations, and results. Analyze variation and communicate conclusions and limitations in qualification reports and concise engineering updates.
• Plan schedules and equipment capacity for qualification programs and urgent one off requests; coordinate cross discipline work without compromising data quality or lab safety.
• Investigate unexpected results, distinguish test artifacts from product behavior, and recommend follow up tests or design changes with the responsible engineers.
• Develop and execute mechanical qualification plans for insertion and withdrawal force, terminal retention, mating durability, vibration and shock, dimensional stability, and other product specific requirements.
• Design or specify fixtures and loading conditions for tensile, compression, bend, and cyclic tests using universal test systems such as Instron equipment and Bluehill software.
• Plan environmental exposures, including thermal cycling and humidity, and assess their effects on fit, force, warpage, and mechanical integrity in coordination with electrical and materials engineers.
• Use drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and statistical methods to relate test results to product design, manufacturing variation, and failure mechanisms.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in product testing, qualification, or mechanical design validation; connector or electromechanical product experience preferred.
• Ability to design fixtures and test methods, interpret mechanical drawings and GD&T, analyze data, and write clear technical reports.
• Experience with force measurement systems, environmental chambers, and common lab instrumentation. Familiarity with Instron and Bluehill is a plus.
• Strong organization, independent judgment, and ability to work with technicians and cross functional engineering teams.

Physical Requirements:

Hands on sample fixturing and use of hand tools; frequent work at test equipment and a computer. Ability to handle test articles and equipment components up to 50 lb, with appropriate assistance or lifting equipment when needed.