Controls Engineer

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 currently seek a Controls Engineer to join our division located in Avon, CT, and help support our continued business growth. 

This position is responsible for the maintenance of existing manufacturing controls systems, modifications to existing programming to support new products and/or procedures, and participation in development projects that require new controls systems and integrations. 

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

• Maintain and support existing manufacturing control systems and automation platforms, including PLCs and SCADA and MES interfaces.
• Enhance control systems to improve process efficiency, uptime, and traceability by leveraging modern platforms like Ignition and programming languages such as Python and SQL.
• Participate in cross-functional development projects involving new machine controls, process integration, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Work as part of a greater team (Mechanical Engineers, Project Managers, Customers, Vendors etc)

Key qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred. Candidates without a degree must have 4+ years of directly related industrial experience
• Must be proficient with Allen Bradley controls and software. FactoryTalk View, RSLogix/Studio 5000.
• Must be proficient with Ignition software.
• Knowledge/experience with/in:
• Software development for control systems using (Ladder logic, Function block, python)
• Communications Protocols(Ethernet/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, Serial)
• Working knowledge of SQL and basic database interactions, such as reading, writing, and querying production data.
• Integration of Labview and other off the shelf controls systems into PLC logic.
• Servo and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) drives and motors required.
• Various sensors/actuators including thermocouples, MFC’s, encoders, pressure controllers, etc.
• Must be able to write procedures, troubleshooting guides and software documentation.
• Ability to create/modify engineering drawings (wiring, equipment layout, etc.) utilizing AutoCad or similar software.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities, as well as excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Conform to all applicable safety standards for industrial machinery

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 the following for our employees:

• Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well-being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on-the-job training and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within. 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
• Casual work environment, PPE, safety eyeglass and shoe allowance.
• Clean, climate-controlled, modern facility with state of the art equipment.

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 https://lightera.com/about-us/.

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.