Process Engineer

About the role

LIGHTERA is seeking a Process Engineer to join our Avon, CT team and support continued business growth. This position designs, develops, improves, and optimizes manufacturing processes for fiber-sensor products. The role includes launching new processes, enhancing existing processes, and troubleshooting production issues.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve sensing inscription and testing processes.
• Increase process readiness, throughput, yield, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Map process, communication, and quality-control flows.
• Plan and run experiments, collect data, and analyze results to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement process improvement roadmaps, including automation and digital transformation projects.
• Create and maintain process documentation, including DFMEA and PFMEA.
• Train production staff on new processes and support certification activities.
• Ensure process integrity and performance to meet production goals and resolve process issues.
• Participate in sensing research, product development, and cross-functional technical projects.
• Provide technical support to customers and internal teams, including quality and supply chain.
• Collaborate with technical teams across Lightera labs and partner locations.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and ensure processes remain safe, efficient, and compliant.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical, electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of process development experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of fiber optics, FBGs, and fiber-optic sensing.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience with DOE, 8D, statistical analysis, and project management.
• Experience with process recipe development, technical writing, and production documentation, including work instructions and procedures.
• Ability to train and certify production technicians and improve production and information flow.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methods, including Lean, 6S, cost reduction, quality enhancement, safety, and yield improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with CAD software and other engineering tools.
• A motivated, team-focused approach and a commitment to strong customer service.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and 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.
• Casual work environment, PPE, safety eyeglass and shoe allowance.
• Clean, climate-controlled, modern facility with state of the art equipment.