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.
Early Career Talent Community-Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology Opportunities (2027)
Position Summary
At Lightera, we are building our 2027 Early Career Talent Pipeline and seeking students and recent graduates interested in engineering, manufacturing, technology, and business careers. This opportunity is designed to connect emerging talent with future internships, co-op assignments, entry-level roles, and our EDGE (Engineering Development & Growth Experience) rotational program as positions become available. Drawing from the company's focus on advanced optical technologies and manufacturing, candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, solve complex technical challenges, and gain exposure to real-world business operations. [EDGE Rotat...rogram (3) | Word]
Whether your interests are in engineering design, manufacturing operations, research and development, quality, supply chain, continuous improvement, or technical project management, we're looking for individuals who are eager to learn, collaborate across teams, and make an impact from day one.
Potential Career Paths
Future opportunities may be available in areas including:
Engineering & Technical Functions
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Quality Engineering
- Product Engineering
- Research & Development
- Optical Fiber Development
- Materials Science
- Continuous Improvement
Manufacturing & Operations
- Production Operations
- Lean Manufacturing
- Process Optimization
- Plant Engineering
- Operational Excellence
Business & Support Functions
- Project Management
- Supply Chain
- Procurement
- Data Analytics
- Information Technology
- Finance
- Human Resources
What You'll Do
Depending on the opportunity, candidates may:
- Support engineering, manufacturing, research, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with the design, analysis, testing, and validation of products, processes, and technologies.
- Apply engineering principles to solve technical and operational challenges.
- Analyze data, identify trends, and make recommendations for process improvements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, maintenance, and business functions.
- Support project planning, documentation, reporting, and execution.
- Participate in root cause analysis, problem solving, and corrective action activities.
- Assist with process documentation, work instructions, and quality initiatives.
- Contribute to manufacturing safety, efficiency, quality, and throughput improvements.
- Present project findings and recommendations to technical and business stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Curiosity and passion for engineering, manufacturing, and innovation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative and diverse team environments.
- Initiative, accountability, and a willingness to learn.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- A safety-first mindset.
- Leadership potential demonstrated through academic projects, internships, student organizations, athletics, military service, work experience, or community involvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- Majors may include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Optics
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Supply Chain Management
- Business Administration
- Related technical disciplines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar tools is a plus.
- Demonstrated experience through coursework, co-ops, internships, research, design teams, or laboratory environments is preferred.
Why Lightera
At Lightera, early-career professionals are given meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow. Through internships, co-op experiences, and the EDGE rotational program, participants gain:
- Hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to engineering, operations, quality, and customer-facing functions.
- Mentorship from experienced technical and business leaders.
- Ownership of projects with measurable business impact.
- Professional and leadership development opportunities.
- Visibility to senior leadership.
- Cross-functional and multi-site learning experiences.
- A foundation for accelerated career growth within a global technology organization
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, 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.
If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at Careers | Lightera
Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position
Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.
About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.
Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications.
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.
Skills Required
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future.
- Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative and diverse team environments.
- Initiative, accountability, and willingness to learn.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Safety-first mindset.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
- Experience through coursework, co-ops, internships, research, design teams, or laboratory environments.
Lightera Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lightera and has not been reviewed or approved by Lightera.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered okay‑to‑good in many hourly manufacturing roles, aided by overtime opportunities and union‑linked increases in some plants. Some hourly titles benchmark near or above market in specific locations.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match is consistently highlighted, with multiple references to a strong employer contribution. This support is positioned as part of a competitive total rewards package.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage are described as solid and mainstream. Some locations also reference on‑site or supplemental health resources and tax‑advantaged accounts.
Lightera Insights
What We Do
For decades, we have carried the beacon of innovation, leading industries, communities, and individuals into a brighter era. Now, we have brought together all this knowledge and expertise to provide complete solutions for communication networks, connecting businesses and people. Today, we are one: Lightera, a Furukawa Electric Group company. The creation of Lightera reflects our commitment to meeting the rapidly evolving demands of industries such as generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing. Through advanced optical technologies, we build brighter, more connected communities with innovative solutions. Step into the future of smart connectivity. Visit us at lightera.com.
