Manufacturing Technician, Fiber Optic Cable

Lightera, LLC; Avon, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2nd shift premium

3rd shift premium

Uniforms provided

Job summary

LIGHTERA in Avon, CT is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Technician for fiber optic cable production, covering extrusion, braiding, testing, and packing with a strong emphasis on safety and quality. The role involves process monitoring and data entry in a fast-paced environment.

We offer growth opportunities, on-the-job training, and a collaborative team culture in a modern facility. Excellent for those who enjoy problem solving and continuous improvement in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training preferred.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and drawings.
• Basic computer skills and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion lines and related equipment; verify product and process quality.
• Monitor material levels, geometries, spool wind and surface print quality during runs.
• Review work orders and process requirements; test cables for compliance with specs.
• Support process engineering with new/ revised process conditions; participate in improvements.

Skills

Extrusion process

Reading drawings

Manufacturing experience

Basic math skills

Education

AS or High School Diploma

Tools

Extrusion equipment

Industrial machinery

Job description

Manufacturing Technician, Fiber Optic Cable

#25-033

25-033

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 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, defense, 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, labeled 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 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.


• Support all production processes, other departments or jobs, and other operators, based on the needs of the business.


• 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.


• 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 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


• 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 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.

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

Location(s)

Position Type

Full-time

Employee Class

Regular Employee

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