R&D Engineer

Lightera; New Jersey; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Tuition reimbursement

Matching 401(k)

Job summary

Lightera in the United States is seeking a motivated R&D Engineer to join our optical fiber R&D team. You will design experiments, build measurement systems, analyze data, and support manufacturing initiatives in a fast-paced setting.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Physics or Optical Engineering, hands-on lab experience, and programming skills (Python/C) for automation and data collection. Strong collaboration and documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong understanding of optics, optical systems, and laboratory measurement techniques.
• Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing laboratory experiments.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C, or similar languages used for automation, data acquisition, and equipment control.
• Experience interfacing laboratory instrumentation with computer-based control and measurement systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles related to mechanical systems, motion control, or fluid dynamics is a plus.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document technical work.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and optimize experiments to support the research and development of optical fiber technologies, manufacturing processes, and measurement systems.
• Develop, build, and improve laboratory test setups, including optical and fiber-based measurement systems.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare clear, accurate technical documentation and reports.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, measurement systems, and manufacturing processes to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Support the development, operation, and continuous improvement of research fabrication processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and support company research initiatives.
• Develop and maintain software tools or automation solutions for data collection, experiment control, and laboratory efficiency.
• Maintain organized documentation, experimental records, and technical procedures.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and work areas are maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and continuously expand technical knowledge to support innovation.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business and project objectives.

Skills

Optics/optical engineering

Programming (Python/C)

Laboratory measurement techniques

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Physics/Optical Engineering/related

Tools

Lab instrumentation control

Automation scripting

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 are seeking a motivated and innovative R&D Engineer to join our research and development team. In this role, you will contribute to the development of next-generation optical fiber technologies by designing and executing experiments, developing measurement systems, analyzing data, and supporting research and manufacturing initiatives. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver with a strong technical foundation, hands-on laboratory experience, and a passion for advancing new technologies in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and optimize experiments to support the research and development of optical fiber technologies, manufacturing processes, and measurement systems.
• Develop, build, and improve laboratory test setups, including optical and fiber-based measurement systems.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare clear, accurate technical documentation and reports.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, measurement systems, and manufacturing processes to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Support the development, operation, and continuous improvement of research fabrication processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and support company research initiatives.
• Develop and maintain software tools or automation solutions for data collection, experiment control, and laboratory efficiency.
• Maintain organized documentation, experimental records, and technical procedures.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and work areas are maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and continuously expand technical knowledge to support innovation.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business and project objectives.

Key Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong understanding of optics, optical systems, and laboratory measurement techniques.
• Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing laboratory experiments.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C, or similar languages used for automation, data acquisition, and equipment control.
• Experience interfacing laboratory instrumentation with computer-based control and measurement systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles related to mechanical systems, motion control, or fluid dynamics is a plus.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document technical work.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high-quality work.

General Expectations

• Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills
• 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

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.

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.