New Product Development Engineer

Lightera; Sturbridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightera is seeking an Engineer or Scientist to lead and contribute to the development of next generation optical fiber manufacturing in the United States. The role focuses on optimizing preform or fiber draw tech, maturing R&D mechanical designs, and supporting production readiness.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in physics, mechanical/chemical engineering, materials science, and 3+ years in a technical environment. ISO experience and good communication are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, mechanical/chemical engineering, materials science, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years in a technical environment with process development or manufacturing.
• Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills helpful; ISO-certified setting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead transfer of R&D systems to production with cross-functional teams.
• Investigate relationships between designed systems and outcomes (quality, speed, yield).
• Develop solutions to improve process uniformity, throughput, and reliability.
• Collaborate to design equipment for process optimization across mechanical, electrical, laser, and other advanced manufacturing tech.
• Document designs with drawings and supplier specs.
• Train operators with SOPs when releasing equipment.
• Conduct experiments and analyze data to validate hypotheses.
• Travel to NJ Labs facility as needed.
• Be a strong team player and support night shift requirements.

Skills

Data analysis

Experimental design

Mechanical design

Glass processing

Problem solving

Collaboration

Technical writing

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics / Engineering / Materials Science

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Engineer or Scientist to lead and contribute to the development of next generation optical fiber manufacturing. This role requires expertise in mechanical engineering, physics, or related fields to optimize preform or fiber draw technology in support of improved product performance. The ideal candidate will work to invent and mature R&D mechanical system designs, support process design and execution, troubleshooting, and innovation in systems for fiber draw, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance next-generation optical fiber technologies.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Engineer or Scientist to lead and contribute to the development of next generation optical fiber manufacturing. This role requires expertise in mechanical engineering, physics, or related fields to optimize preform or fiber draw technology in support of improved product performance. The ideal candidate will work to invent and mature R&D mechanical system designs, support process design and execution, troubleshooting, and innovation in systems for fiber draw, and 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 a similarly related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a highly technical environment that included process development, manufacturing, or related fields..

Additional Qualifications

• Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills are helpful in this role.
• Experience working in an ISO-certified industrial setting.

Essential Responsibilities

• Participate in the departmental safety team to complete safety improvement initiatives.
• Lead the transfer of systems and devices from the R&D organization to production, working closely with the science and engineering teams both at Labs and at the factory.
• Investigate the relationship between designed systems and desired outcomes, including process quality, speed, yield and other outcomes.
• Develop innovative solutions to enhance the uniformity, throughput, and reliability of processes.
• Collaborate with R&D and project teams to design and develop equipment and techniques for process optimization which may require knowledge of mechanical, electrical, laser, chemical and other advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Conduct design reviews to ensure system requirements are understood and included in designs. Properly document designs including creation of drawings and supplier specifications.
• Document processes and develop standard operating procedures to train operators when equipment is being released into production.
• 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.
• Travel to other sites, including the Labs facility in NJ, as needed to support the development and implementation of systems.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Proficiency in data analysis, experimental design andmechanical design best practices.
• Understanding of high-temperature processes, glass softening, and material flow, such as in fiber drawing.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges and defects.
• Collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and global partners.
• Excellent communication skills in the fabrication of designs with external suppliers
• 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 skills (verbal, written)
• Proficiency with MS Office Word and Excel
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Conformance to all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct” document
• Hiring Range:

$75,000 - $150,000

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.