Senior Optical Technician

lighteracareers; New Jersey; On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) plan

Job summary

LIGHTERA is hiring a Senior Optical Technician to support the Production Realization Center in Somerset, NJ. You will fabricate and process specialty fiber optic devices, using established procedures and product specs, while performing measurements with optical equipment.

The role requires an associate degree in a related field and 2+ years of lab/manufacturing experience. The position offers an hourly wage of $30–$40, with strong benefits and growth opportunities within LIGHTERA.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in optics/photonics/physics/engineering/electronics or related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years of lab/manufacturing/optics experience preferred.
• Experience with fiber optics and optical lab equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on fabrication and processing of specialty fiber optic devices per specs.
• Prepare optical fiber; perform grating fabrication, recoating, annealing and related processing.
• Perform optical measurements/tests using spectrum analyzers, lasers and lab equipment.
• Collect, record and analyze process and test data to support production and R&D.

Skills

Fiber optics

Optics fundamentals

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Independent and team work

Laboratory equipment handling

Education

Associate degree in Optics/Photonics/Physics/Engineering/Electronics

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 currently seek a Senior Optical Technician to help support our Production Realization Center in our Somerset, NJ location.

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

• Perform hands-on fabrication and processing of specialty fiber optic devices, following established procedures, work instructions, and product specifications.
• Prepare optical fiber and perform processes such as grating fabrication, recoating, annealing, and related fiber processing activities.
• Perform optical measurements and testing using laboratory equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers, lasers, and other measurement systems.
• Collect, record, and analyze process and test data to support production and R&D activities.
• Inspect products and materials to ensure they meet established quality and performance requirements.
• Identify equipment, material, or process issues and communicate problems promptly to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and other team members to troubleshoot issues and support process improvements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and follow applicable cleanroom, safety, quality, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain equipment, materials, and workstations in accordance with established procedures.
• Support multiple workstations and production activities as business needs require.
• Learn and apply new laboratory methods, equipment, and specialized fiber optic processes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Key qualifications:

• Associate degree in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Engineering, Electronics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant laboratory, manufacturing, optics/photonics, or fiber optics experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of optics, physics, or fiber optics.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical procedures and specifications.
• Ability to learn new equipment and processes, troubleshoot issues, and work effectively independently and on a team.
• Experience with fiber optics, optical laboratory equipment, lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, or cleanroom environments is a plus.

The anticipated hourly compensation range for this position is$30–$40 per hour, depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan. Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future.

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.

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.