Manufacturing Technician, Fiber Draw

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, tracing back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone over a century ago. We have a proven track record of industry firsts, including application-specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium-doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, and fiber gratings. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing, and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable, components, and assemblies for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers, and employees.

About the role

We’re looking for hands-on Manufacturing Technicians who enjoy cutting-edge technology, troubleshooting, and being part of a tight-knit team. Our Fiber Draw departments’ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts are expanding to support business growth in Avon, CT. Lightera provides the necessary training to allow for growth in the role and invests in your future. This position is responsible for product flow using prints, recipes, and workmanship standards to ensure engineering and quality specifications are met. Be a critical part of the team making precision material used in aerospace, defense, and medical industries.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate fiber draw towers for manufacturing specialty fiber optic products.
• Review work orders, materials, specifications, and process requirements.
• Follow Lightera Personnel Policies & Safety Procedures and ISO guidelines.
• Ensure all chemicals used in fiber manufacturing processes are handled, labeled, and disposed of according to procedure.
• Promptly inform the Supervisor or safety manager of any safety concerns.
• Participate in improvement initiatives to meet department goals and/or business objectives.
• Support process engineering in developing and documenting new or revised process conditions as assigned.
• Coordinate efforts to correct equipment/process problems to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency and yield.
• Maintain a clean work area where applicable (6S).
• Seek opportunities for, and support, continuous improvement efforts, both individually and departmentally.
• Notify support personnel of equipment/process problems in a timely manner to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Support all production processes, other departments or jobs, and other operators, based on the needs of the business.

Requirements

• AS or High School Diploma required; additional education or technical training preferred.
• 1-3 years of manufacturing experience.
• Technical or mechanical background, or interest; extrusion or optical fiber cable experience preferred.
• 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 product meets customer specifications.
• Good math skills (strong understanding of fractions, decimals, metrics, formulas, and the ability to do simple conversions and calculations using a calculator).
• Basic computer skills required.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, with an 8% premium on 2nd shift and 12% premium on 3rd shift.
• Generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, and well-being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on-the-job training, and opportunities for growth and advancement (we promote from within).
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
• PPE, safety eyeglass, and shoe allowance.
• Consistent shifts and schedules.
• Clean, climate-controlled, modern facility with state-of-the-art equipment.

Employees are role models for safe work practices and behaviors, including 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.