Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is a world leader in interconnect solutions for Communications, Mobile, RF, Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and coaxial and high-speed specialty cable. ACS has an expansive global presence in research and development, manufacturing, and sales. We design and manufacture a wide range of innovative connectors as well as cable assemblies for diverse applications including server, storage, data center, mobile, RF, networking, industrial, business equipment, and automotive.

Amphenol High Speed Products Group | High Speed IO Connectors

Position: Product Development Engineer - Mechanical Design for Liquid Cooling

Location: Schaumburg, IL

Amphenol High Speed Products Group develops high-speed, high-bandwidth interconnect solutions for telecom and datacom markets, including servers, storage, routers, and switches. Our products enable the electronics revolution and support major Tier 1 OEMs globally. We are seeking an experienced Product Development / Mechanical Design Engineer to help develop liquid cooling solutions for next-generation AI/ML and data center platforms.

Position Overview

This role is for a proven Mechanical Design Engineer who can take ownership of complex components and assemblies from concept through qualification and production. You will develop cold plates, integrated cage and cooling assemblies, and related mechanical solutions, balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and customer requirements. Prior cold plate, liquid cooling, or thermal engineering experience is not required. You will work alongside dedicated thermal and thermal-mechanical engineers who provide analysis, technical guidance, mentoring, and hands-on collaboration to help you build expertise in these areas. You bring strong mechanical design fundamentals, practical problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to deliver products.

*This is an experienced engineering role, not an entry-level position. *

Key Responsibilities

Design and Innovation

• Lead concept generation and detailed mechanical design of liquid cooling components and assemblies for high-speed I/O and AI infrastructure applications.
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance analyses, and bills of materials for precision components and assemblies.
• Develop robust designs addressing fit, flatness, structural stiffness, contact force, sealing, assembly, and serviceability.
• Partner with thermal and thermal-mechanical engineers to translate thermal and fluid-performance requirements into practical mechanical designs.
• Work with manufacturing and suppliers to select materials and processes, improve manufacturability, and resolve design and assembly challenges.

Testing and Validation

• Develop mechanical and reliability validation plans with thermal, quality, and laboratory teams, including dimensional, structural, leak, pressure, and environmental testing as applicable.
• Perform design FMEA, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and risk assessments; use structural analysis or collaborate with specialists as needed.
• Support prototype builds, investigate failures, and drive corrective actions using test data and root-cause analysis.

Project Management

• Own development activities from concept through qualification, new product introduction, and production release.
• Manage project schedules, design deliverables, risks, and engineering changes across global engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams.
• Maintain clear technical documentation and communicate progress, tradeoffs, and issues promptly.

Customer Engagement

• Serve as a mechanical technical interface for customers, supported by thermal specialists for thermal and fluid-performance discussions.
• Translate customer requirements into design goals and present concepts, design tradeoffs, validation results, and corrective actions.
• Incorporate customer feedback throughout design reviews, prototyping, and qualification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline; a master's degree is a plus.
• 5 years of hands-on mechanical design and product development industry experience, with demonstrated ownership of products from concept through production.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD, such as Creo or SolidWorks, and production drawing development.
• Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, material selection, mechanical behavior, and design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Practical experience with precision components and assemblies using processes such as machining, stamping, molding, casting, joining, or mechanical assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot hardware, lead prototype builds, interpret test results, and resolve design or manufacturing issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and global teams while managing multiple projects.

Additional Experience That Is Helpful but Not Required

• Experience with cold plates, liquid cooling, thermal management, fluid systems, sealing, brazing, welding, or leak testing.
• Experience with structural FEA, such as ANSYS, electronics packaging, or high-speed connector and cage assemblies.

Candidates from other mechanical product development industries are encouraged to apply. Direct connector, cold plate, or thermal experience is not a prerequisite; our thermal and thermal-mechanical teams will support your development in liquid cooling technologies.

The base salary range for this position is $85,000 - $140,000 annually. In determining the rate of pay, Amphenol considers a variety of nondiscriminatory factors, including but not limited to geographic location, relevant industry experience, qualifications, skills, and education. It would be rare for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for a given role. Base salary is one facet of Amphenol's total rewards package which includes participation in our comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, life insurance, short/long term disability, and membership in our Defined Contribution Pension Plan.

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Amphenol Corporation is proud of our reputation as an excellent employer. Our focus is to provide the highest level of support and responsiveness to both our employees and our customers, the world's largest technology companies. Amphenol Corporation offers the opportunity for career growth within a global organization. We believe that Amphenol Corporation is unique in that every employee, regardless of his or her position, has the ability to positively impact the business.

Amphenol is an “Equal Opportunity Employer” - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin. For additional company information please visit our website at https://www.amphenol-cs.com/