Manufacturing Technician, Fiber Optic Cable

lighteracareers; Avon (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% shift premium on 2nd shift

12% shift premium on 3rd shift

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

PPE allowance

Consistent shifts & schedule

Modern climate-controlled facility

Job summary

LIGHTERA is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Technician for Avon, CT, on 2nd shift to support cable production. You will set up, operate, and monitor extrusion and related processes, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency in a fast-paced team.

Join a modern, climate-controlled facility with strong growth and training opportunities, and benefit from shift premiums, comprehensive benefits, and a pathway to advanced roles within a global optical solutions leader.

Qualifications

• AS or high school diploma required; additional education or training preferred.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing experience.
• Technical or mechanical background or interest.
• Extrusion or optical fibre cable experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Willing and able to train in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read and convey work instructions.
• Ability to read drawings to ensure customer specs.
• Strong math skills for fractions, decimals, metrics and conversions.

Responsibilities

• Operate extruder lines and equipment; verify product quality.
• Review work orders, materials, specs; test cables against drawings.
• Follow safety procedures and ISO guidelines; handle chemicals correctly.
• Support process engineering with new or revised conditions.
• Maintain a clean 6S work area and drive continuous improvement.
• Support production and other departments as needed.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Reading drawings

Basic computer skills

Troubleshooting

Education

AS or High School Diploma

Tools

Extruder equipment

ISO procedures

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 fibres, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibres, Raman fibre lasers, fibre gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibres, fibre 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’re looking for a hands‑on Manufacturing Technician who enjoy cutting‑edge technology, troubleshooting, and being part of a tight‑knit team. Our Cable Manufacturing department’s 2nd shift is 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 all cable production activities. This includes but is not limited to safety, extrusion, braiding and stranding, re‑spooling, bobbin winding, cable packaging, optical testing and database entries.

It includes the set‑up, operation and monitoring of production processes, set points and parameters adjustments within confines of established process conditions, as necessary to achieve quality product.

This role works closely with and supports Engineering for new processes and Alpha level recipes, and participates in improvement initiatives to meet department goals and business objectives. Be a critical part of the team making precision material used in aerospace, defence, and medical industries.

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

• Operation of extruder lines and ancillary equipment associated with cable manufacturing. Verify product and process quality. Monitor material levels, geometries, spool wind and surface print quality periodically during the run.
• Review of work orders, materials, specifications and process requirements. Test and inspect cables to ensure compliance with product drawing specifications, applicable procedures and order specific notes on Work Order.
• Follow Lightera Personnel Policies & Safety Procedures and ISO guidelines. Ensure all chemicals used in cable manufacturing processes are handled, labelled and disposed of according to procedure. Promptly inform the Supervisor or safety manager of any safety concerns.
• Support process engineering developing and documenting new or revised process conditions as assigned. Coordinate efforts to correct equipment/process problems in order to minimise down‑time and maximise 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.
• 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 fibre cable experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills required.
• 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).

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realise 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 programmes, 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) programme 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 expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviours. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organised 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.

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

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fibre and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centres, 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 centres, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defence, 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, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.