Manufacturing Technician, Preform

Manufacturing Technician, Preform (2nd Shift)

Location:

Sturbridge, MA (Avon, CT division)

Join Lightera as a hands‑on Manufacturing Technician who enjoys cutting‑edge technology, troubleshooting, and being part of a tight‑knit team. The position is part of our 2nd shift, supporting our business growth. Lightera provides the necessary training and invests in your future, prioritizing safety, quality, continuous improvement, and customer commitment.

Lightera has a long, respected corporate lineage in American business, dating back to Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone invention. We are a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies for communications, data centers, and specialty photonics. Lightera is part of the Furukawa Electric Group.

• Preform manual, mechanical operations and glass working techniques to support optical fiber production.
• Perform all glass working duties, including welding, cutting, glass set‑up, preparation, over‑collapse, and glass etching.
• Assist in Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) operations as needed.
• Operate production‑tracking software and maintain accurate manufacturing records.
• Support training activities for employees in the Preform Department to improve their performance in both glassworks and MCVD areas.
• Assist in establishing documentation for manufacturing procedures, processes, and equipment.
• Etch preforms in acid to achieve desired diameter.
• Conduct preform index‑profile tests to inspect manufactured products.
• Modify recipe phases to set correct heat, solenoid, and mode code settings.
• Read GDS schematics.

• A.S. or High School Diploma required; additional education or training preferred.
• 2+ years of similar manufacturing experience highly preferred.
• Solid math skills (fractions, decimals, metrics, formulas, and simple calculator use).
• Willingness and ability to train and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to read and convey work instructions.
• Ability to read drawings and ensure products meet customer specifications.
• Mechanical/technical aptitude or interest.
• Experience with glass working and glass‑working equipment highly preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues desired.

• Competitive salaries, with an 8% premium on 2nd 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.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) allowances and safety gear.
• Consistent shifts and schedules.
• Modern, climate‑controlled facility with state‑of‑the‑art equipment.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices. This includes following established health and safety policies, maintaining a clean and organized work area, wearing and properly storing all PPE, and actively engaging in safety‑conscious behavior.

If you would like to be part of an energetic, world‑leading optical fiber solutions company, please apply through our career portal at  Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.

Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

Entry Level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Communications Equipment Manufacturing