Test Technician

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 devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for shareholders, customers, and employees.

About the role

We are looking for a Test Technician to join our Production Test department's 2nd shift in Avon, CT, supporting business growth. LIGHTERA provides the necessary training to allow for growth in the role. The primary function of this position is to perform test and measurement tasks for specialty fiber and cable production in accordance with standard procedures, work instructions, prints, recipes, and workmanship standards.

Responsibilities

• Production testing of specialty optical fiber and cables according to established test methods using advanced test and measurement equipment.
• Provide support to Test & Reliability Engineering and obtain necessary assistance from them.
• Monitor and maintain production test process flow, equipment health, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Input key test measurement attributes into the manufacturing database for traceability and effective communication back to SFPG and engineering regarding product performance.
• Report production status daily using visual controls and adjust based on ahead or behind schedule.
• Continuously improve our manufacturing system in Production Test using tools such as accountability boards, A3 forms, standard work sheets, layered audits, visual controls, FMEA, 6S, and SPC.
• Initiate, lead, and/or participate in lean events and cost-savings projects focused on waste elimination, quality, ergonomics, and other process improvements using the PDCA approach.
• Confirm in-process quality meets workmanship standards.
• Exercise good judgment by stopping production to ensure poor quality doesn’t reach the customer.
• Maintain daily layered audits and checklists to ensure sustainability in our systems.
• Perform other related duties as required by management.
• Serve as a role model for safe work practices and behaviors, including following health and safety policies, maintaining a clean work area, wearing and storing PPE properly, and prioritizing personal safety and wellness.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of experience in a similar manufacturing environment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to read and understand complex manufacturing drawings and process layouts.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing/Toyota Production System concepts and associated tools preferred.
• Knowledge of Material Flow, Shop Floor Control, and ISO 9001:2000 requirements preferred.
• Keen attention to detail is critical.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, with a 20% premium for the weekend 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 (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.

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 enabling faster, more reliable, and 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.