Principal Development Engineer — Connector & Cable Interconnect

At Kandou, we are redefining the economics of AI infrastructure. Our mission is to democratise AI by significantly reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of hardware systems - a critical barrier to scalable adoption.

Our proprietary MIMO-over-copper technology powers a high-performance, chiplet-based AI memory fabric that is both scalable and energy-efficient. Unlike traditional interconnects, our solution reduces power consumption significantly while preserving high bandwidth and ultra-low latency - unlocking unprecedented efficiency for AI training and inference at scale.

Kandou’s architecture is not just an incremental improvement - it’s a foundational shift in how AI hardware is built for the future.

Department: Product Development and Manufacturing

Location: Taiwan

Role Summary

The Principal Development Engineer owns the electrical and mechanical optimization of connector interfaces, cable-to-connector assemblies, and cable-to-PCB interfaces for Kandou's high-speed interconnect products. This individual drives interconnect architecture from early concept through electromagnetic simulation (HFSS), Proof-of-Life (PoL) validation, and lab measurement, partnering closely with silicon, systems, mechanical, and customer-facing teams to deliver signal-integrity-optimized, manufacturable interconnect solutions.

Responsibility and Authority

• Own the end-to-end optimization of connector, cable-to-connector, and cable-to-PCB interfaces for Kandou's interconnect products.

• Lead conceptual design and architecture definition for new connector and cable interconnect solutions, evaluating electrical, mechanical, and manufacturability trade-offs.

• Build and run HFSS simulation models to characterize and optimize connector and cable interface electrical performance.

• Define and execute Proof-of-Life (PoL) studies to validate design intent prior to full qualification.

• Perform and oversee lab measurement and characterization (VNA, TDR, oscilloscope) to validate simulation predictions and debug performance issues.

• Drive design reviews and provide technical recommendations to engineering leadership, product management, and customers on interconnect design decisions.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with signal integrity, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and customer teams to align interconnect designs with overall product requirements.

• Interface with connector and cable suppliers on design-in, sampling, qualification, and manufacturability.

• Mentor junior engineers on simulation methodology, measurement techniques, and interconnect design best practices.

• Individual responsibilities for this role are defined by Kandou's executive team on a project-by-project basis and may vary from this job description.

Required Experience

• 10+ years of experience in high-speed interconnect, connector, or cable assembly development within the semiconductor, networking, or computing industry.

• Proven track record of optimizing connector, cable-to-connector, and cable-to-PCB interfaces for high-speed differential signaling (e.g., PCIe, SerDes, 112G+/224G electrical interfaces).

• Extensive hands-on experience with Ansys HFSS (or equivalent 3D electromagnetic field solvers) for connector, cable, and interconnect modeling.

• Demonstrated experience leading conceptual design and architecture definition of new connector and cable interconnect systems, from early feasibility through detailed design.

• Experience planning and executing Proof-of-Life (PoL) studies to validate first-pass electrical and mechanical performance of new interconnect designs.

• Strong lab measurement background, including VNA, TDR, and oscilloscope-based characterization of connectors, cables, and interconnect channels.

• Experience working cross-functionally with mechanical, signal integrity, package, systems, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams to align interconnect designs with product and manufacturing requirements.

• Experience engaging directly with connector and cable vendors/suppliers on design-in, qualification, and manufacturability trade-offs.

Required Skills

• Deep understanding of high-speed signal integrity fundamentals: S-parameters, transmission line theory, impedance control, crosstalk, and insertion/return loss.

• Expert-level proficiency in HFSS for 3D full-wave electromagnetic simulation of connectors, cables, and PCB launch structures.

• Strong analytical skills to correlate simulation results with lab measurement data and resolve discrepancies.

• Ability to translate system-level electrical requirements into conceptual connector/cable interface designs and specifications.

• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence design trade-offs across engineering disciplines.

• Strong documentation skills for design reviews, test reports, and specification development.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent development programs and prioritize effectively under schedule pressure.

• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical findings, trade-offs, and recommendations to engineering leadership, cross-functional teams, and customers.

• Working knowledge of Lean Product Development (Lean PD) principles, applying them to streamline design iteration, reduce waste, and accelerate time-to-market.

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills, required.

• Mandarin language proficiency is a nice-to-have, given engagement with suppliers and customers in Mandarin-speaking regions.

• Ability and willingness to travel internationally to support supplier reviews, lab bring-ups, and customer engagements.

Required Competencies - Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or an equivalent field.

• Advanced coursework or demonstrated expertise in electromagnetics, RF/microwave engineering, or high-speed signal integrity is desired.