JOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for improving manufacturing processes and equipment with emphasis on automation, controls, programming, reliability, safety, quality, and cost. Leads complex equipment projects and troubleshoots mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and data issues in partnership with operations, maintenance, IT, quality, and vendors.
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED: 4-year degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, Automation, Computer Engineering, or related engineering field
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 5+ years manufacturing, equipment, automation, or controls engineering experience
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications)
- Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, motion-control, servo, drive, sensor, and industrial I/O systems.
- Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagrams preferred.
- Programming experience with SQL, VBA, Python, C#, Visual Basic, Ignition, or similar manufacturing tools preferred.
- Experience integrating manufacturing equipment with MES, databases, production clients, or other data systems.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings and to produce clear technical documentation.
- Experience leading equipment upgrades, vendors, testing, validation, and production implementation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead manufacturing equipment, automation, controls, and process-improvement projects from definition through production handoff.
- Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, controls, software, network, and process problems and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Develop, modify, test, and document PLC, HMI, motion-control, machine-client, scripting, and data-handling logic.
- Specify and integrate motors, drives, sensors, instrumentation, I/O, communications hardware, and control components.
- Modernize legacy equipment and controls, including obsolescence planning, backups, source code, version records, and recovery documentation.
- Work with operations, maintenance, IT, quality, vendors, and system integrators to safely implement equipment and software changes.
- Use production and equipment data to evaluate performance, identify losses, and verify improvement results.
- Create troubleshooting guides, drawings, settings, work instructions, and training needed for sustainable plant support.
- Mentor engineers and technicians in automation, controls, programming, and equipment troubleshooting.
- Support production needs in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including occasional off-hours support.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Knowledge
- Industrial automation, controls, manufacturing equipment, and process improvement
- PLC, HMI, motion-control, software, database, and production-system interfaces
- Safety, quality, change control, and equipment documentation practices
Skills
- Advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis
- Controls programming, equipment integration, data analysis, and project leadership
- Clear technical communication and cross-functional collaboration
Abilities
- Work independently on complex, high-impact technical problems
- Balance immediate production recovery with long-term reliability and maintainability
- Manage multiple priorities and transfer knowledge to others
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WORK ENVIRONMENT - Plant
Skills Required
- 4-year degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, Automation, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field
- 5+ years of manufacturing, equipment, automation, or controls engineering experience
- Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, motion-control, servo, drive, sensor, and industrial I/O systems
- Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagrams
- Programming experience with SQL, VBA, Python, C#, Visual Basic, Ignition, or similar manufacturing tools
- Experience integrating manufacturing equipment with MES, databases, production clients, or other data systems
- Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings and produce clear technical documentation
- Experience leading equipment upgrades, vendors, testing, validation, and production implementation
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.
