Process Development Engineer VAD

Lightera•Norcross, GA

10d

About The Position

LIGHTERA is seeking a highly motivated, self-starting VAD Process Engineer to support and improve Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD) optical fiber manufacturing processes. The engineer will improve process capability, product quality, manufacturing yield, equipment performance, and production output while reducing manufacturing costs and process variation. The role works closely with Production, Equipment Engineering, Controls Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, implement process improvements, develop manufacturing capabilities, and support new product and technology introductions. It also involves providing technical guidance and training, maintaining process documentation, and supporting continuous improvement and long-term manufacturing technology development. Employees are expected to model safe work practices, follow health and safety policies, maintain a clean and organized work area, properly use and store personal protective equipment, and prioritize personal safety and wellness. Travel is less than 5%. Visa sponsorship and immigration support are not available; applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future.

Requirements

B.S. in Optical Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Manufacturing, process development, laboratory, research, internship, or related engineering experience.
Strong analytical, experimental, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Experience analyzing manufacturing or process data and converting results into actionable process improvements.
Experience with structured root-cause analysis and corrective-action methodologies.
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary manufacturing environment.
Self-starter with ownership and accountability, able to drive projects and initiatives with minimal supervision.
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently, balance multiple priorities, and meet project deadlines.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accurate, reliable, high-quality results.
Strong planning, documentation, organizational, and time-management skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills for working with engineers, technicians, operators, and cross-functional teams.
Adaptable and eager to learn and apply new technical knowledge.
Legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; visa sponsorship and immigration support are not provided.

Nice To Haves

Coursework, training, or experience in computer science, programming, or data analysis.
Experience in optical fiber, glass, chemical processing, deposition, thermal processing, or other advanced manufacturing processes.
Experience with statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and process capability analysis.
Familiarity with PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment, process instrumentation, data acquisition, and automated manufacturing systems.
Experience with statistical and data-analysis tools and programming or scripting languages for manufacturing process analysis and optimization.
Knowledge of and experience with materials processing and manufacturing equipment.
Demonstrated ability to lead or support technical projects.
Recent graduates with a proven record of academic achievement, technical aptitude, and a strong desire to learn and contribute are encouraged to apply.

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, KPIs, and 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 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.
Follow established health and safety policies and procedures, maintain an organized work area, and properly use and store personal protective equipment.