Optical Scientist

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 optical fibers, connectors, cables, amplifiers and lasers, sensors and more.  Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and delivering the best optical fibers, cables, and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees.  To continue shaping the future of communications we apply the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

 

We are currently seeking an Optical Scientist to join Lightera Laboratories, our corporate R&D facility in Somerset NJ, to join a team that designs, fabricates, tests and prototypes innovative technology that serves the medical, industrial, aerospace, and telecommunications fields. The ideal candidate will advance our high power fiber laser portfolio, requiring the ability to identify and solve technical problems, both independently and as part of a team, in developing new products and new manufacturing processes. Significant aspects of the position include conducting experiments, analyzing data, improving and designing equipment and advanced prototypes, and interfacing with manufacturing.

 

This role has the potential to grow into an independent research and development program.

 

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

 

• Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve understanding, particularly for troubleshooting performance and quality as well as equipment and materials issues related to high power fiber lasers and telecommunications components,
• Design, execution and analysis of experiments to improve the performance of optical fibers for fiber lasers and amplifiers
• Work with the optical fiber fabrication team and provide input on improved fiber designs and compositions
• Interface with teams developing fiber laser components such as optical fibers, fiber Bragg gratings, and fiber coatings to ensure complete design solutions for fiber laser systems,
• Characterize glass, fibers, and coatings, and devise methods to identify and solve technical problems,
• Assist in establishing and executing an R&D program to support Lightera manufacturing sites, and provide input to the long-term technology roadmap,
• Provide technical support to the marketing and sales team and assist in understanding new business opportunities
• Perform other related duties as required by management

 

 

Key qualifications include:

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Optics, Physics, or related field
• Experience in handling, characterizing and performing data analysis on optical fibers
• Experience with high-power fiber lasers and components such as pump and pump-signal combiners and fiber Bragg gratings, is highly desired
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, preferably as demonstrated by past publications or presentations
• Demonstrated ability to innovate in a high technology field
• Coursework and/or research experience in photonics and optics
• Lab automation and computer skills
• Ability to understand and perform numerical simulation
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work effectively with minimal supervision
• 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”

 

 

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.

 

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors.  This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organiz