Process Development Engineer VAD

Job Description Composing the core of a brighter world 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.

Our mission is simple and bold: to build brighter, more connected communities through cutting‑edge optical technologies.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-starting VAD Process Engineer to support and improve Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD) optical fiber manufacturing processes. The engineer will be responsible for improving process capability, product quality, manufacturing yield, equipment performance, and production output while reducing manufacturing costs and process variation.

The position works closely with Production, Equipment Engineering, Controls Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, implement process improvements, develop new manufacturing capabilities, and support the introduction of new products and technologies.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
· Provide day-to-day engineering support for VAD manufacturing operations to maintain stable, safe, and efficient production.
· Monitor and analyze process and product data to identify trends, process variation, equipment issues, and improvement opportunities.
· Troubleshoot complex manufacturing problems and lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
· Develop, optimize, and maintain VAD process parameters, operating conditions, and process specifications.
· Improve process capability, yield, quality, throughput, and equipment utilization while reducing manufacturing costs through data-driven process optimization.
· Design and execute engineering experiments and process trials to understand process relationships and establish robust operating windows.
· Develop and implement process improvements that enhance manufacturing repeatability, reliability, and product performance.
· Establish and maintain process control plans, key performance indicators (KPIs), and appropriate reaction plans to identify and respond to process deviations.
· Support development, qualification, and implementation of new equipment, processes, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
· Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to transfer new products and processes into production.
· Work closely with Controls and Equipment Engineers to define process requirements for equipment modifications, automation, instrumentation, and control improvements.
· Lead or support technical projects from problem definition and conceptual development through implementation, validation, and transfer to Production.
· Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, engineering specifications, technical reports, and process change documentation.
· Train and provide technical guidance to production personnel, technicians, and other engineering staff.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives and long-term manufacturing technology development.

Travel Requirements:

Less than 5%

Education and Experience:

Required:

· B.S. in Optical…