R&D Engineer

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We seek a highly motivated and skilled R&D Engineer to support the optical fiber program in our Somerset, NJ location. This role offers the opportunity to advance optical fiber processing technology and have major impact on new product innovation. The ideal candidate will work on equipment and process design and troubleshooting, and innovate in optical fiber fabrication techniques in collaboration with cross-functional teams at multiple locations. In this role, the candidate will support R&D programs to advance optical fiber science and technology for programs serving the medical, aerospace, and telecommunications fields.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Be a critical asset in leading an R&D program to advance optical fiber technology, including overseeing and contributing to development and innovation in optical fiber fabrication to improve performance, quality, reliability, and scalability.
Investigate the relationship between process parameters, fiber properties, and manufacturing outcomes, and guide technicians and engineers in conducting process trials and experiments to achieve project milestones.
Fabricate and characterize optical fibers to meet performance specifications and project requirements.
Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve process understanding, particularly for troubleshooting fiber performance and quality as well as equipment and materials issues.
Manage, maintain, and upgrade mechanical and electronic facilities for optical fiber fabrication and testing, including automation, data logging, and fabrication records.
Collaborate with project teams to design and develop fabrication processes and facilities for fiber fabrication, particularly for novel fibers.
Stay informed of, and contribute to, advancements in fiber draw technology and integrate best practices in collaboration with global R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams.
Communicate and document research findings through detailed technical reports and presentations.
Be a strong team player with openness and willingness to contribute toward group goals and achievements.
Perform other related duties as required to meet project and organizational needs.
Key qualifications:

Master's (MSc) or Ph.D. in Physics, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a similarly related field.
2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing, or related fields (postgraduate or industrial experience preferred).
Proven expertise in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes, preferably in optical fiber or similar manufacturing.
Experience in designing, analyzing and reporting experiments for complex process systems.
Knowledge and Experience Requirements:

Proficiency in data analysis, experimental design, and process optimization methods.
Understanding of high-temperature processes related to glass properties and material flow is an advantage.
Experience with fiber characterization techniques, including optical and mechanical property measurements.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex process challenges and defects.
Leadership skills to guide technical teams and mentor junior staff effectively.
Collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and global partners.
Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for communicating research findings and process updates.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
Adaptability to work independently while supporting team objectives in a dynamic environment.
Passion for innovation and a strong drive to advance fiber draw processes and technologies.
General Expectations:

Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills
Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel
Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
Conform to all aspects of OFS' “Standards of Conduct” document
Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.

About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications.

Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

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