Manufacturing Technician, Fiber Draw

Lightera; Avon (CT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premiums

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

PPE allowance

Job summary

LIGHTERA in Avon, CT is seeking hands-on Manufacturing Technicians to operate fiber draw towers, follow prints and specifications, and contribute to the production of precision fiber optic products for aerospace, defense and medical industries.

The role offers growth through on-the-job training, a strong safety culture, and teamwork. Requirements include 1–3 years of Manufacturing experience and an AS or HS diploma; extrusion or optical fiber experience is a plus. Generous shift premiums apply.

Qualifications

• AS or HS diploma required; technical training preferred.
• 1–3 years manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and convey work orders, drawings and specifications.
• Basic math and computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate fiber draw towers for manufacturing of specialty fiber optic products.
• Review work orders, materials, specifications and process requirements.
• Follow Safety Procedures and ISO guidelines; handle chemicals properly and report safety concerns.
• Assist in process engineering by developing and documenting new or revised process conditions.
• Coordinate efforts to fix equipment/process problems to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area (6S) and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Manufacturing

Reading drawings

Math skills

Troubleshooting

Team player

Education

AS/HS Diploma

Technical training preferred

Tools

Extrusion experience

Optical fiber cable experience

Job description

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 assemblies 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’re looking for a hands‑on Manufacturing Technicians who enjoy cutting‑edge technology, troubleshooting, and being part of a tight‑knit team. Our Fiber Draw departments’ 1st, 2nd & 3rd shifts are looking to expand to help support our business growth in Avon, CT. Lightera provides the necessary training to allow for growth in the role, and invests in your future. We pride ourselves on our constant drive towards safety, quality, continuous improvement and commitment to our customers’ needs.

This position is responsible for product flow using prints, recipes, and workmanship standards to ensure engineering and quality specifications are met. Be a critical part of the team making precision material used in aerospace, defense, and medical industries.

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

• The set-up and operation of fiber draw towers for manufacturing of specialty fiber optic products.
• Review work orders, materials, specifications and process requirements.
• Follow Lightera Personnel Policies & Safety Procedures and ISO guidelines. Ensure all chemicals used in fiber manufacturing processes are handled, labeled and disposed of according to procedure. Promptly inform the Supervisor or safety manager of any safety concerns.
• Participate in improvement initiatives to meet department goals and/or business objective
• Support process engineering developing and documenting new or revised process conditions as assigned. Coordinate efforts to correct equipment/process problems in order to minimize down-time and maximize efficiency and yield.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean work area where applicable (6S). Seek opportunities for, and support, continuous improvement efforts, both individually and departmentally.
• Notify support personnel of equipment/process problems in a timely manner in order to minimize unplanned down time.
• Support all production processes, other departments or jobs, and other operators, based on the needs of the business.

Key Qualifications

• AS or High School Diploma required. Additional education or technical training preferred.
• 1-3 years of Manufacturing Experience
• Technical or mechanical background, or interest.
• Extrusion or optical fiber cable experience preferred.
• Willing and able to train and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to read and convey work instructions.
• Ability to read drawings to ensure that product meets customer specifications.
• Must have good math skills (strong understanding of fractions, decimals, metrics, formulas, and the ability to do simple conversions and calculations using a calculator).
• Basic computer skills required.

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 The Following For Our Employees

• Competitive salaries, with an 8% premium on 2nd shift, and 12% premium on 3rd
• Generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well‑being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on‑the‑job training and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
• PPE, safety eyeglass and shoe allowance.
• Consistent shifts and schedules.
• Clean, climate‑controlled, modern facility with state of the art equipment.

Employees are 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.

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.