Draw Process Engineer

Lightera; Sturbridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightera seeks a Process Engineer to lead development of optical fiber draw processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize drawing techniques and improve product performance.

You will work on process design, troubleshooting, and innovation, contributing to next-generation optical fiber technologies while ensuring safety and quality across production lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, mechanical or chemical engineering, materials science, or equivalent.
• Experience in ISO-certified industrial settings.
• 2+ years in process development or manufacturing.
• LEAN/Six Sigma experience or certifications preferred.
• Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills are helpful.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the departmental safety team to complete safety improvement initiatives.
• Lead the development and optimization of optical fiber draw processes to improve quality, reliability, and scalability.
• Investigate the relationship between process parameters, fiber properties, and manufacturing outcomes.
• Develop innovative solutions to enhance the uniformity, throughput, and reliability of fiber draw processes.
• Identify and resolve defects or challenges in fiber drawing, including troubleshooting equipment and material issues.
• Collaborate with project teams to design and develop equipment and techniques for fiber draw optimization.
• Conduct process trials and experiments to achieve project milestones.
• Document processes and develop standard operating procedures to train operators.
• Monitor manufacturing processes daily to identify trends and out-of-control situations and provide solutions according to urgency and importance
• Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve process understanding.
• Be a strong team player with openness and willingness to contribute toward group goals and achievements.

Skills

Process development

LEAN/Six Sigma

Optical fiber manufacturing

Electrical & programming skills

Mechanical design skills

2+ years experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to lead and contribute to the development of optical fiber draw processes. This role requires expertise in mechanical engineering, physics, or related fields to optimize fiber draw technology and improve product performance. The ideal candidate will work on process design, troubleshooting, and innovation in fiber draw techniques, collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance next-generation optical fiber technologies.

EDUCATION And EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience in one of these fields.
• Experience working in an ISO-certified industrial setting.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications, certifications, and/or licenses)

• 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Optical fiber manufacturing background preferred.
• LEAN/Six Sigma manufacturing experience or certifications.
• Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills are helpful in this role.

Essential Responsibilities

• Participate in the departmental safety team to complete safety improvement initiatives.
• Lead the development and optimization of optical fiber draw processes to improve quality, reliability, and scalability.
• Investigate the relationship between process parameters, fiber properties, and manufacturing outcomes.
• Develop innovative solutions to enhance the uniformity, throughput, and reliability of fiber draw processes.
• Identify and resolve defects or challenges in fiber drawing, including troubleshooting equipment and material issues.
• Collaborate with project teams to design and develop equipment and techniques for fiber draw optimization.
• Conduct process trials and experiments to achieve project milestones.
• Document processes and develop standard operating procedures to train operators.
• Monitor manufacturing processes daily to identify trends and out-of-control situations and provide solutions according to urgency and importance
• Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve process understanding.
• 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, including engagement with night shift personnel.

Additional Duties As Assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Proficient in Excel
• Experience with Power BI & Python
• Proficiency in data analysis, experimental design, and process optimization methods.
• Understanding of high-temperature processes, glass softening, and material flow, such as in fiber drawing, is an advantage.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex process challenges and defects.
• 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.

General Expectations

• Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills
• Proficient with MS Office Suite
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Exhibit Lightera “Standards of Conduct”
• Hiring Range:

$75,000 - $110,000

Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications and internal equity considerations.

Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position