Manufacturing Technician; Weekend Shift

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.

We’re looking for a hands‑on Manufacturing Technician who enjoys cutting‑edge technology, troubleshooting, and being part of a tight‑knit team. Our Glassworks team is looking for help on our weekend shift
, supporting our business growth. This is a 32‑hour/week position, with two‑12‑hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, and an 8‑hour shift during the week. (Weekday can be flexible). This position is located in our Sturbridge, MA facility, but is part of our Avon, CT division.

Lightera provides the necessary training to allow for growth in the role, and invests in your future. We pride ourselves on our constant drive towards safety, quality, continuous improvement and commitment to our customers’ needs.

Our technicians are responsible for manual, mechanical operations to set‑up and operate multiple computerized lathes and equipment used in production and for the development of specialty optical fiber products. Although working with supervision and guidance, our technicians work independently following our pre‑established work instructions and guidelines. The candidate will also participate in improvement initiatives to meet department goals and/or business objectives.

Be a critical part of the team making precision material used in aerospace, defense, and medical industries.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Preform manual, mechanical operations and glass handling techniques to support MCVD production used for manufacturing high quality, low‑cost optical fiber performs.
• Operate production‑tracking software and maintain production records of preform manufacturing.
• Perform preform index profile tests to inspect perform‑manufactured products.
• Support training activities for employees in the SFPG Department to adequately perform and improve their job function in MCVD.
• Etch performs in acid to achieve desired diameter.
• Check entire lathe and GDS and check for any leaks and broken parts.
• Assist in establishing documentation for manufacturing procedures, processes and equipment.
• Modify recipe phases to have correct heat, solenoid and mode code settings.
• Handle and transport corrosive chemical necessary for MCVD manufacturing.
• Support and perform other duties as required by management.
• Ability to read GDS schematics.

• Candidates for consideration must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional education and/or technical training is preferred.
• Five or more years of similar manufacturing experience required.
• Experience with use of chemical/gas desired.
• Solid math skills (strong understanding of fractions, decimals, metrics, formulas, and the ability to do simple conversions and calculations using a calculator).
• Willing and able to train and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to read and convey work instructions and read drawings, to ensure that product meets customer specifications.
• Mechanical/technical aptitude or interest.
• Experience with glass working, and use of glass working equipment highly preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues desired.

• Competitive salaries, with an 20% premium on our weekend shift.
• Generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well‑being.
• Company-sponsored…