Engineering Manager

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 seeking an Engineering Manager to support our Product Realization Center in Somerset, NJ.  The Engineering Manager will lead and support manufacturing engineering operations within a fast-paced production environment. This role is responsible for overseeing engineering activities that drive operational efficiency, process improvement, equipment reliability, and new product introduction. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong technical expertise, project management experience, and a continuous improvement mindset. 

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

• Lead and manage production-supporting engineering functions within a manufacturing facility 

• Supervise, mentor, and develop engineers and engineering technicians 

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies 

• Manage engineering project portfolios, ensuring effective prioritization, resource allocation, and execution 

• Support manufacturing process development, optimization, and scale-up for new and existing products 

• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Facilities teams to improve production performance and support business objectives 

• Oversee equipment management, including preventive maintenance recommendations, capital equipment planning, and process reliability improvements 

• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process validation activities 

• Support development of manufacturing fixtures, tooling, work instructions, and process documentation 

• Participate in production line redesign, capacity expansion, and cost reduction initiatives 

• Develop and monitor KPIs to maintain process controls and operational effectiveness 

• Support prototype builds, pilot production, and commercialization of new products 

• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers regarding equipment, materials, and implementation timelines 

• Contribute to staffing, training, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives within the engineering team 

Key qualifications include: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline  

• 10+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment  

• 5+ years of leadership or engineering management experience  

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement principles, and operational excellence methodologies  

• Proven experience managing engineering projects and cross-functional initiatives  

• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills  

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative manufacturing environment 

Preferred qualifications include: 

• Experience supporting new product development (NPD), product commercialization, or startup manufacturing environments  

• Lean Six Sigma certification  

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or JD Edwards  

• Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, and manufacturing process optimization  

General Expectations: 

• Demonstrate effective communication (verbal, written) skills 

• Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel 

• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information 

• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures 

• Adhere to all aspects of Lightera “Standards of Conduct” document 

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 online at http://www.lightera.com/careers. Submissions must include salary information. 

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted. 

Lightera, a Georgia based global company, 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.