Manufacturing Technician, Preform

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 Manufacturing Technicians to join our second (2^nd) Preform manufacturing department, and help support our continued business growth.  This position is located in our Sturbridge, MA facility, but is part of our Avon, CT division. 

Our technicians are responsible for manual, mechanical operations to set-up and operate multiple computerized lathes and equipment used in production and for the development of specialty optical fiber products. The candidate will also participate in improvement initiatives to meet department goals and/or business objectives. 

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

• Preform manual, mechanical operations and glass working techniques to support optical fiber performs production.
• Perform all glass working duties including welding, cutting, glass set up preparation, over-collapse, glass etching, etc. 
• Support and perform MCVD operation as needed.
• Operate production-tracking software and maintain production records of perform manufacturing
• Support training activities for employees in the preform Department to adequately perform and improve their job junction in both glassworks and MCVD areas.
• Assist in establishing documentation for manufacturing procedures, processes and equipment.
• Etch performs in acid to achieve desired diameter.
• Perform preform index profile tests to inspect perform-manufactured products.
• Modify recipe phases to have correct heat, solenoid and mode code settings.
• Check entire lathe and GDS and check for any leaks and broken parts.
• Maintain lathe computers by archiving old recipes from computer to the network and erasing old data log files on the lathe computer.

• Ability to read GDS schematics.

Key qualifications:

• A.S. or High School Diploma or GED required; additional education or training preferred.
• 2 years similar manufacturing experience highly preferred.
• Must have good math skills (strong understanding of fractions, decimals, metrics, formulas, and the ability to do simple conversions and calculations using a calculator).
• Willing and able to train and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read and convey work instructions.
• Ability to read drawings to ensure that product meets customer specifications.
• Mechanical/technical aptitude required.
• Experience with glass working, and use of glass working equipment highly preferred.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues desired.

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.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

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.