Optical Fiber Scientist

Lightera; New Jersey; On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match

Job summary

Lightera is seeking an Optical Fiber Scientist for its Somerset, NJ division to advance transmission behavior and performance of fiber-based technology, including amplifiers and next-gen fibers.

The role involves customer interfacing, development of fiber devices, and leading R&D programs to support manufacturing sites, with strong emphasis on collaboration and publication.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred
• Experience in optical fiber technology and data transmission
• Strong publication or presentation record is a plus
• Proven ability to interface with customers and applications engineering
• Knowledge of lab automation and AI-assisted workflows

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in optical fiber technology, focusing on data transmission and fiber amplification
• Disseminate findings at technical conferences and to key customers
• Design and assemble transmission system tests for fiber products
• Contribute to external publications and intellectual property
• Collaborate with fiber fabrication teams to optimize designs and performance
• Interface with teams working on fiber sensors and telecom devices
• Help establish and execute a long-term technology roadmap for manufacturing sites
• Provide technical support to marketing and sales for new opportunities
• Demonstrate improved optical fiber products to customers
• Maintain safety and confidentiality in line with company policies

Skills

Waveguide photonics

Optical fiber amplifiers

Transmission theory

Systems architecture

Laboratory technique

AI tools

Optical simulations

Effective communication

Education

MS or PhD in Optics/Physics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Office Word & Excel

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 optical fibers, connectors, cables, amplifiers and lasers, sensors and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and delivering the best optical fibers, cables, and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To continue shaping the future of communications we apply the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We are currently seeking an Optical Fiber Scientist to join our division located in Somerset, NJ.

The Optical Fiber Scientist position will test and design the transmission behavior and performance of fiber-based technology, including optical fiber amplifiers and next generation transmission fibers. The position will likely include interfacing with customers, applications engineering, and development of fiber and fiber-based devices.

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

• Conduct innovative research in optical fiber technology, particularly in the area of data transmission, fiber amplification and distributed sensing.
• Disseminate information at technical conferences and through direct communication with key customers.
• Conceive, design and assemble transmission system testing related to the performance of fiber products
• Contribute to external publications
• Work with the optical fiber fabrication team to provide input on improved fiber designs
• Interface with teams developing fiber related components, including fiber sensors, telecommunications devices, and fiber amplifiers
• Assist in establishing and executing an R&D program to support Lightera manufacturing sites, including synthesis of a long-term technology roadmap
• Contribute to and eventually lead the development of new products
• Provide technical support and applications engineering to marketing and sales teams and assist in promoting Lightera expertise and understanding new business opportunities
• Work with customers to demonstrate improved optical fiber products.
• Perform other related duties as required by management
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred
• Expertise in waveguide photonics, optical fiber amplifiers, transmission theory, systems architecture, and related disciplines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, preferably as demonstrated by past publications or presentations
• Demonstrated laboratory experience working with optical components and optical fibers
• Lab automation, computer skills and proficiency with AI tools
• Ability to understand and perform optical simulations
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work effectively with minimal supervision
• Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Conform to all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct” document

The base salary range targeted for this role is $110,000 - $135,000 USD per year . The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate’s unique skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

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 competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

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.

Lightera, a Georgia based global company, 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.

Position Type

Full-time

Employee Class

Regular Employee

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