PCVD R&D Engineer – Specialty Fiber Preform Processes

Prysmian Group; Douvrin; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Inclusive environment

Internal academy

Job summary

Prysmian Group in Douvrin, France, seeks a senior R&D Engineer to drive PCVD process development for specialty optical fibers, including Multi‑Core and polarization‑maintaining fibers, from laboratory work to industrial scale.

You will collaborate with international teams, define experiments, analyze data, and lead qualification and transfer to manufacturing, with occasional travel within Prysmian's global network.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; PhD is a plus.
• Experience in industrial R&D, process development or manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of optical fiber manufacturing, glass processing, deposition & plasma processes.
• Fluent English; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive PCVD process development, qualification and scale-up for specialty fibers.
• Lead process qualification and validation with Product R&D, Quality, Process Control and Manufacturing teams.
• Develop, optimize and industrialize manufacturing processes for specialty fiber preforms and fibers.
• Support development of advanced products including Multi-Core, Polarization Maintaining, reduced-diameter fibers.
• Define, execute and analyze experimental programs to improve process capability and product quality.
• Establish process specs, operating windows and qualification criteria from experiments.
• Collaborate with international R&D teams and production sites; contribute to technology transfer.

Skills

Data analysis

Programming

Problem solving

Communication

Autonomy

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Science

PhD is a plus

Tools

Python

SQL

Statistical software

Job description

Profile

Master's degree in Engineering or Science (Materials Science, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering or similar); PhD is a plus. Experience in industrial R&D, process development, manufacturing engineering or technology development. Knowledge of optical fiber manufacturing, glass processing, deposition technologies, plasma processes, precision assembly, glass drilling or advanced manufacturing processes is an advantage. Strong experimental mindset with demonstrated capabilities in data analysis, statistical methods and problem solving. Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE), process characterization and industrial qualification methodologies. Knowledge of programming, data analytics and database tools (Python, SQL, statistical software) is appreciated. Fluent English is mandatory; French is a plus. Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and international teams. Autonomous, rigorous, innovative, hands‑on and results‑oriented. Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Join the international teams of Prysmian's Optical Fiber R&D organization and contribute to the development and industrialization of next-generation specialty optical fibers at the Douvrin plant, France. Description: Reporting to Fiber R&D Management, you will drive PCVD process development, qualification and scale‑up for specialty fibers, especially Multi‑Core Fiber, PANDA fiber and reduced‑diameter fiber. You will drive process development, optimization and industrialization activities across the specialty fiber preform manufacturing chain. You will support innovation projects from laboratory development through industrial implementation, with a strong focus on product performance, process robustness, manufacturing efficiency and cost competitiveness. Travel within Prysmian's international organization may occasionally be required.

In a multicultural and multisite environment, you will:

• Develop, optimize and industrialize manufacturing processes used for specialty fiber preforms and optical fibers.
• Support the development of advanced products including Multi‑Core Fibers, Polarization Maintaining Fibers, reduced‑diameter fibers and future specialty fiber technologies.
• Define, execute and analyze experimental programs to improve process capability, product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Establish process specifications, operating windows and qualification criteria based on experimental results and statistical analysis.
• Lead process qualification and validation activities in collaboration with Product R&D, Quality, Process Control and Manufacturing teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield improvement, cost reduction, process robustness and operational excellence.
• Investigate process deviations, perform root‑cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Support technology transfer and deployment of new products and processes into manufacturing.
• Contribute to equipment upgrades, tooling development, metrology improvements and industrial investment projects.
• Collaborate with international R&D teams and production sites to share knowledge and best practices.
• Contribute to innovation activities through patents, publications, technical benchmarking and technology watch.
• Develop technical expertise and actively share knowledge within the organization.

Safety First: In our industrial environment, safety is paramount. You will:

• Apply and enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Promote the prevention of occupational risks and control of pollution and nuisances.
• Adhere to and advocate for best practices in safety and continuous improvement.

At Prysmian, innovation, teamplay, passion and belonging are part of our DNA.

We offer

• Growth Opportunities: Access to resources that promote individual responsibility, employee development, and a culture of feedback.
• Inclusive Environment: A strong commitment to inclusion and gender equality, with everyone playing a role in advancing this important social cause.
• Supportive Culture: Employee surveys, international programs, and an internal academy dedicated to your development.

We strongly believe that diversity brings significant value at all levels of the organization, increasing the possibility of capturing market opportunities and maximizing value for our customers and stakeholders. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) as part of our Social Ambition 2030 and a strategic pillar of our Company culture, Prysmian is committed to the development of an organization that prioritizes talent, where people feel respected, included, and free to fully express their potential just as they are.

All Managers and HRs in Prysmian are responsible for ensuring DE&I policies are respected during the recruiting process, as well as recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases that must not influence our selection processes.

All persons will be considered for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, origin, citizenship status, socio‑economic status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, parental leave, medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Prysmian will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation for any disclosed physical or neurological condition or disability of a qualified applicant unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

Visit our DE&I Page to learn more about Prysmian's commitments.

Your application data will be treated according to our Data Protection Policy.

If you believe you require assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please let us know.

Prysmian is a global cabling solutions provider leading the energy transition and digital transformation. By leveraging its wide geographical footprint and extensive product range, its track record of technological leadership and innovation, and a strong customer base, the company is well‑placed to capitalise on its leading positions and win in new, growing markets.

Prysmian’s business strategy perfectly matches key market drivers by developing resilient, high‑performing, sustainable and innovative cable solutions in the segments of Transmission, Power Grid, Electrification and Digital Solutions.

Prysmian is a public company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, with almost 150 years of experience, about 30,000 employees, 108 plants and 26 R&D centres in over 50 countries, and sales of over €15 billion in 2023.