Process Controls Engineer -VAD

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

Job summary

Lightera in Norcross, GA is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to improve and optimize manufacturing equipment within the VAD Engineering group. You will design, implement, test, and commission control systems to boost quality, reduce costs, and increase output.

Collaborate with process engineers and cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable, safe solutions using PLCs, motion control, and industrial networks; travel is minimal, less than 5%.

Qualifications

• B.S. Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics equivalent required.
• Experience developing, implementing, testing, and troubleshooting control systems.
• Proficiency with PLCs, motion control, safety systems, and high-level languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot control system software for manufacturing equipment.
• Design, build, test, and commission control system solutions for equipment upgrades.
• Specify, integrate, test, and validate control hardware/software for reliable operation.
• Collaborate with engineers to meet performance, quality, cost and production goals.
• Improve equipment reliability, performance, and process capabilities.

Skills

PLC programming

Motion control

Safety systems

C/C++

Electrical test gear

Electrical design

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Documentation

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Yaskawa

PLC programming software

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 cutting‑edge optical technologies.

Process Controls Engineer - VAD

Norcross, GA

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-starting Controls Engineer to work within small multidisciplinary teams supporting optical fiber manufacturing operations. This role focuses on improving and optimizing existing manufacturing equipment and processes to enhance product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase production output, while also contributing to new equipment development initiatives. The position is primarily within the VAD Engineering organization, but cross-functional and inter-departmental assignments are common.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control system solutions for manufacturing equipment using established electrical and controls engineering principles to support equipment upgrades, process improvements, and new equipment development initiatives.
• Design, build, test, and commission control system solutions for manufacturing equipment.
• Specify, integrate, test, and validate controls hardware and software to ensure reliable, safe, and effective equipment operation.
• Collaborate with equipment designers, process engineers, and cross-functional teams to deliver manufacturing solutions that achieve targeted performance, quality, cost, and production objectives.
• Work independently and within multidisciplinary teams to improve manufacturing equipment reliability, performance, and capability, while supporting the advancement of manufacturing technologies and processes.

Travel Requirements

Less than 5%

Education And Experience

B.S. Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics engineering, or Similar.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and troubleshoot control system software, including PLCs, motion control systems, safety systems, and higher‑level programming languages.
• Proficiency in at least one high‑level programming language, such as C# or C++.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and hands‑on experience with test and measurement equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, and power supplies.
• Knowledge of electrical system design principles, including control panel design, component selection and specification, and electrical schematic development.
• Excellent analytical, experimental, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex controls and instrumentation challenges.

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated ability to integrate field devices for flow, motion, and temperature control, as well as associated safety systems, into complete machine control solutions.
• Knowledge of and experience with materials processing and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with AC and DC motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), SCR power controllers, and other industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to develop control solutions utilizing both classical and advanced control theory to meet equipment performance and process requirements.
• Strong background in electrical control systems, PLCs, industrial communications, and microcontroller‑based systems.
• Experience with Allen‑Bradley, Yaskawa, and Siemens automation platforms.
• Experience with data acquisition, process monitoring, and industrial network communications is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Self‑starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability, capable of driving projects and initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently while effectively balancing multiple priorities and meeting project deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to delivering high‑quality, accurate, and reliable results.
• Well‑organized with strong planning, documentation, and time‑management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, enabling effective engagement with engineers, technicians, operators, and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach to troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and eager to learn, with the ability to quickly acquire and apply new technical knowledge.

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.