A fiber array unit (FAU) connector includes a support substrate having a rear-end section and an elevated front-end section. The front-end section has a top surface with fiber grooves that support bare glass sections of optical fibers, which have respective fiber end faces that reside at a front end face defined by the front-end section. Two alignment pins reside in parallel alignment pin channels on opposite sides of the fiber grooves. The alignment pin channels terminate at respective front-end recessed surfaces that are axially spaced from the front end face. The alignment pins extend from the alignment pin channels to be even with the front end face. A cover secured to the front-end section holds the bare glass sections of the optical fibers and the alignment pins in place. Alignment sleeves are used to establish pin-to-pin alignment of confronting FAU connectors.