At Panduit, we don’t just offer a job – we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company’s success. You’ll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you’re ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, apply today and make your mark with Panduit!

Innovation thrives when engineers and product managers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve meaningful challenges. That’s why we’ve built an environment designed for creativity and collaboration. Our 200,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, features 18 cutting-edge laboratories and a state-of-the-art rapid modeling tool room - all dedicated to helping you turn ideas into impactful reality.

The Fiber Optic Solutions Optimization Engineering Manager leads a high-performing technical team to deliver complex value engineered/optimized Fiber Optic products from from concept to completion. Skilled at motivating and energizing the team, this leader drives results while fostering collaboration across product, business development, HR, and global engineering teams. Blending technical expertise with strategic insight, the role enhances team performance, develops talent, and strengthens overall business impact. Join us to lead impactful projects, inspire top talent, and shape the future of our products, while growing your own career in a collaborative, innovative environment!

What You Will Do 

• Drive Project Success:
  • Lead and direct team to design and/or implement value engineered product enhancements, new products, and process improvements.
  • Oversee major projects and apply expertise to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners on product roadmaps, standards, and policies.
• Enhance Employee Experience:
  • Manage recruitment, hiring, development, performance reviews, and compensation to build and sustain a strong team.
  • Champion initiatives that strengthen culture, collaboration, and engagement.
  • Create development plans that align employee aspirations with team and business needs.
• Optimize Group Performance:
  • Monitor key metrics, report progress, and take action to improve results and outcomes.
  • Develop engineering department strategies in support of business growth.

What You Will Bring 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Experience: 10+ years in product design engineering; 5+ years leading and managing technical teams. Experience leading team’s developing and implementing mechanical product assemblies consisting of plastic, sheet metal, die cast, and other types of part designs. Experience delivering value engineering optimizations a plus.
• Fiber Optic Experience: Design experience in fiber connectivity, fiber cable assemblies, and fiber optic management infrastructure from concept to implementation.
• Project Management Experience: Documented program or project management experience within new product development and value engineering projects.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong executive presence up to c-suite level, experience developing talent, and an analytical mindset. 
• Innovation: Driven by the opportunity to be creative, innovative, and solve problems in all phases of the product lifecycle
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% domestic and international.

What We Can Offer You 

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more. 
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance. This role will require you to be in the office 50% of the time (schedule based on manager's discretion).
• Generous Time Off: Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community. 
• Retirement & Growth: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career. 
• Parental Leave: Because we care about your family and your future. 

Compensation: The expected annual base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $175,000. This role qualifies for an incentive plan based on individual and company performance. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  

Making the connections that matter.  Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process

Work Shift 

Day (United States of America)