Demo

New Product Development Engineer

Lightera
Sturbridge, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/1/2026

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly motivated Engineer or Scientist to lead and contribute to the development of next generation optical fiber manufacturing. This role requires expertise in mechanical engineering, physics, or related fields to optimize preform or fiber draw technology in support of improved product performance. The ideal candidate will work to invent and mature R&D mechanical system designs, support process design and execution, troubleshooting, and innovation in systems for fiber draw, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance next-generation optical fiber technologies.

 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a similarly related field.
  • 3 years of experience in a highly technical environment that included process development, manufacturing, or related fields..

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Electrical, programming, and mechanical design skills are helpful in this role.
  • Experience working in an ISO-certified industrial setting.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  • Participate in the departmental safety team to complete safety improvement initiatives.
  • Lead the transfer of systems and devices from the R&D organization to production, working closely with the science and engineering teams both at Labs and at the factory.
  • Investigate the relationship between designed systems and desired outcomes, including process quality, speed, yield and other outcomes.
  • Develop innovative solutions to enhance the uniformity, throughput, and reliability of processes.
  • Collaborate with R&D and project teams to design and develop equipment and techniques for process optimization which may require knowledge of mechanical, electrical, laser, chemical and other advanced manufacturing techniques.
  • Conduct design reviews to ensure system requirements are understood and included in designs. Properly document designs including creation of drawings and supplier specifications.
  • Document processes and develop standard operating procedures to train operators when equipment is being released into production.
  • Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve process understanding.
  • Be a strong team player with openness and willingness to contribute toward group goals and achievements.
  • Perform other related duties as required to meet project and organizational needs, including engagement with night shift personnel.
  • Travel to other sites, including the Labs facility in NJ, as needed to support the development and implementation of systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

  • Proficiency in data analysis, experimental design andmechanical design best practices.
  • Understanding of high-temperature processes, glass softening, and material flow, such as in fiber drawing.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges and defects.
  • Collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and global partners.
  • Excellent communication skills in the fabrication of designs with external suppliers
  • Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for communicating research findings and process updates.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Adaptability to work independently while supporting team objectives in a dynamic environment.

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

    • Demonstrate effective communications skills (verbal, written)
    • Proficiency with MS Office Word and Excel
    • Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
    • Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
    • Conformance to all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct” document

 

*  Hiring Range:

$75,000 - $150,000 

Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidates experience, skills, qualifications and internal equity considerations.

 

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.

 

 

Salary : $75,000 - $150,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a New Product Development Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the New Product Development Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$85,996 - $102,718
Income Estimation: 
$111,859 - $131,446
Income Estimation: 
$110,457 - $133,106
Income Estimation: 
$105,809 - $128,724
Income Estimation: 
$122,763 - $145,698
Income Estimation: 
$73,120 - $92,318
Income Estimation: 
$91,158 - $113,466
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Lightera

  • Lightera Somerset, NJ
  • 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... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Lightera Carrollton, GA
  • Position Summary The Training Specialist is responsible for facilitating and developing training for the production floor. Managing all training documentat... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Lightera Sturbridge, MA
  • Position Summary: The Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and adapting production equipment to support our manufacturing operations. Th... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Lightera Sturbridge, MA
  • 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... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other New Product Development Engineer jobs in the Sturbridge, MA area that may be a better fit.

  • Product Development Group Westborough, MA
  • Responsibilities: Demonstrates alignment with the Coghlin Companies core values and mission in their daily interaction and communication with team members ... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Coghlin Companies Westborough, MA
  • Responsibilities: Evaluate manufacturing processes by applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials; conferring with ... more
  • 29 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!