OVD Process Engineer

Lightera; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Matching 401(k) plan

Competitive salaries

Job summary

Lightera, a global optical fiber leader, seeks an OVD Process Engineer-Glass Making in Norcross, GA to launch and support a new production line and ensure safe, efficient operations. You will provide engineering support for startup and ramp-up, using process expertise to meet daily output and quality targets.

Responsibilities include collaborating with the construction and installation teams, sourcing key parts, and monitoring processes post-startup while driving continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 5 years manufacturing or industrial experience.
• Experience with chemical vapor deposition processes.
• Experience with glass, flames, high-temperature furnaces or related heat transfer modeling.

Responsibilities

• Work with a growing team to implement a new process and become the expert in optical fiber overcladding technology.
• Support the engineering needs of the construction and installation teams during early phases.
• Spec and source key parts working with equipment suppliers.
• Work with operations team to ensure all process and product flow details are prepared on time.
• Test equipment during commissioning phase to prove equipment meets process requirements.
• After production begins, monitor daily and control/improve glass making processes using sound scientific principles and analysis.
• Plan and implement projects to maintain and improve processes to meet KPI and impact requirements.
• Perform regular data analysis for process and product improvements with effective hands-on problem-solving ability.
• Excel as team player and occasional leader; collaborate with operations, maintenance & engineering teams.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Chemical/Mechanical/Materials Science

Tools

SQL databases

Programming (C+, Python)

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.

Our mission is simple and bold: to build brighter, more connected communities through cuttingâedge optical technologies.

OVD Process Engineer-Glass Making

Norcross, GA

Job Purpose

Process engineer to launch and support new OVD production line to ensure safe and efficient operations. Provide engineering support to meet the start-up and ramp-up schedules for production. Use process expertise to achieve daily output and quality requirements and drive continuous improvement.

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Minimum Experience Required

• Manufacturing or industrial experience of least 5 years
• Experience with chemical vapor deposition processes
• Experience working with glass, flames, high temperature furnaces, heat transfer modeling or anything similar would be valuable

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications)

• BS degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Materials Science engineering disciplines
• Database experience in SQL or equivalent
• Some programming knowledge is desirable (e.g. C+, Python)

Key Responsibilities

• Work with a growing team to implement a new process and become the expert in optical fiber overcladding technology
• Support the engineering needs of the construction and installation teams during early phases
• Spec and source key parts working with equipment suppliers
• Work with operations team to ensure all process and product flow details are prepared on time
• Test equipment during commissioning phase to prove equipment meets process requirements
• After production begins, responsible to monitor daily and control/improve glass making processes using sound scientific principles and analysis
  • Includes: all OVD deposition + sintering furnace
• Plan and implement projects to maintain and improve processes to meet KPI and impact requirements.
  • Includes: quality, output, and yield
• Perform regular data analysis for process and product improvements with effective hands‑on problem-solving ability
• Excel as team player and occasional leader
• Work with operations, maintenance & engineering teams to implement continuous improvement
• Support troubleshooting existing equipment problems and processes

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Highly adaptable to a broad set of technical areas (mechanical, materials, and chemical systems) in industrial applications
• Hands‑on manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of applied statistical practices & data analysis
• Strong communication skills with proven ability to work with a diverse team of technical and non-technical staff
• Take on a leading role for short and medium term projects and see through to completion with minimal supervision
• Excellent documentation (SOP’s, maintenance instructions), communication, and presentation skills
• This position entails sitting, standing, lifting up to 25Lbs in a manufacturing plant environment
• Must be able to travel atleast 5 weeks during the next year.

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.

• Competitive salaries
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.

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.

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.