Sr. Research & Development Engineer

Lightera; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) matching

Job summary

Lightera, a Norcross, GA-based leader in optical fibers and connectivity solutions, seeks a Senior R&D Engineer for materials. You will research, develop, and optimize silica glass materials, characterization methods, and production processes, collaborating across manufacturing, quality, and product teams to drive innovations and scalable production.

Responsibilities include evaluating new materials, conducting experiments, and implementing improvements to enhance product quality, yield, and

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in relevant field with multiple years of experience
• Deep understanding of optics, electromagnetics, material characterization and simulations
• Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as FTIR, UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, SEM, ICP-MS, XRF
• Hands-on experience building test equipment and automating test procedures
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and R/JMP for data analysis and scripting
• Proficiency in simulating physical phenomena using Python/MATLAB
• Experience with DOE or Six Sigma methodologies preferred
• Database or SQL experience to manage and analyze large datasets
• Advance measurement techniques to develop/optimize characterization methods
• Lab work to support product and process development
• Automation and data analysis using Python, R/JMP, MATLAB, LabVIEW
• Cross-functional collaboration with global teams
• Mentorship of junior engineers
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Self-motivation and high integrity
• Safety-focused and compliant with company policies

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and optimize silica glass materials and related characterization techniques
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and product teams to translate technologies into scalable processes
• Evaluate new materials, conduct experiments, and analyze performance to improve product quality and yield
• Develop and implement improved manufacturing processes for cost effectiveness
• Build and automate test procedures to accelerate development and validation

Skills

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

R/JMP

SQL

DOE

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Scripting languages

Statistical analysis

Education

B.S. with 8+ years

M.S. with 6+ years

Ph.D. in Materials Science/Physics/Engineering

Tools

FTIR

UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy

SEM

ICP-MS

XRF

Job description

Sr. Research & Development Engineer-Materials

Norcross, GA

Composing the core of a brighter world

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.

Position Summary

The Senior R&D Engineer is responsible for researching, developing, and optimizing silica glass material, characterization techniques, manufacturing processes, and product innovations. This role works closely with manufacturing engineering, quality, and product development teams to develop and translate new fiber manufacturing technologies into scalable and cost-effective production processes. The Engineer evaluates new materials, conducts experiments, develops new processes, analyzes process performance, and implements improvements to enhance product quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency.

Education and Experience Requirements

• B.S. with 8+ years of work experience, M.S. with 6+ years of work experience or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, or Engineering with 3+ years of work experience.
• Deep understanding of optics, electromagnetics, material characterization and simulations.
• Hands on experience with characterization techniques such as FTIR, UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, SEM, ICPMS, XRF, etc. is required.
• Hands-on experience building test equipment and automating test procedures.
• Proficiency in scripting languages and statistical data analysis software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, R/JMP).
• Proficiency in simulating physical phenomena using tools such as Python and MATLAB.
• Computer skills: MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) or Six Sigma methodologies, preferred.
• Database or SQL experience to manage and analyze large dataset
• Advance Measurement Techniques: Develop and optimize characterization methods for current and next-generation optical fiber manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on Lab Work: Carry out measurements to support product and process development.
• Simulations, Data Analysis & Automation: Analyze statistical data; build scripts and tools to streamline workflows using (Python, R/JMP, MATLAB, LabView, etc.).
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with global teams of engineers and scientists to push development forward.
• Mentorship: Advise team members and junior level engineers on complex matters.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.
• Results orientation and self-motivation that requires minimal guidance
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail abilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication.
• Self-motivated, independent contributor who thrives in a team environment.
• Cultural intelligence and the ability to work with a globally diverse team.
• Strategic thinker with enterprise-wide perspective.
• High degree of integrity and accountability.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Exhibit all of Lightera “Standards of Conduct”
• In office 5 days/week.
• Travel is less than 5% both domestic and international.

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.

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.

Location(s)

6305 Crescent Drive, Norcross , Georgia 30071 , United States

Position Type

Full-time

Employee Class

Regular Employee