R&D Engineer

R&D Engineer-Optical Fiber

Norcross, GA

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.

Join our team to drive innovation in next-generation communication optical fibers—from concept to large-scale deployment. You'll develop and refine fiber characterization techniques and support novel fiber manufacturing processes. This role blends hands‑on lab work with analytical insight and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Advance Measurement Techniques:
  Develop and optimize characterization methods for current and next‑generation optical fibers.
• Collaborate on Equipment Specs:
  Work with test‑equipment vendors to define specs or co‑develop new instruments.
• Hands‑on Lab Work:
  Carry out optical fiber measurements (e.g., lasers, power meters, OSA, OTDR) to support product and process development.
• Data Analysis & Automation:
  Analyze statistical data; build scripts and tools (Python, R, MATLAB, etc.) to streamline workflows.
• Cross‑functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with global teams of engineers and scientists to push development forward.

• M.S. with 3+ years’ experience or Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, or Engineering.
• Deep understanding of optical wave guides, electromagnetics, and fiber‑characterization methods.
• Hands‑on experience with optical fibers and optical test equipment (lasers, power meters, OSAs, OTDRs).
• Hands‑on experience building optical test setups and automating optical test procedures.
• Proficiency in statistical software and scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, R, LabVIEW, or C#/C++).

• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Database or SQL experience to manage and analyze large datasets.

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and attention‑to‑detail abilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication.
• Self‑motivated, independent contributor who thrives in a team environment.
• Cultural intelligence and the ability to work with a globally diverse team.

• Career growth:
  Technical path and leadership development programs.
• Collaborative environment:
  Work alongside a global team on cutting‑edge fiber technologies.

• Demonstrate effective communication (verbal, written) skills.
• Proficient with MS Office applications.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information.
• Strict adherence to company safety policies and procedures.
• Conform to all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct”.
• Serve as a role model for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes 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.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation, and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and a matching 401(k) plan.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber…