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 design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems across our fiber optics manufacturing facility. This role requires a strong foundation in industrial automation, a passion for learning new technologies, and the initiative to identify opportunities for automation and drive projects from concept through deployment.

 

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

 

• Design, implement, integrate, and troubleshoot control systems for new and old equipment and processes using PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms
• Develop Ignition SCADA/MES integrations for real-time visualization, data collection, and process control
• Write and modify PLC programs (ladder logic, function block, structured text) to support new products, procedures, and process improvements
• Integrate control systems with MES, CMMS, and database systems (SQL Server)
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, Serial)
• Work as part of a greater team (Mechanical Engineers, Project Managers, Customers, Vendors etc)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance process efficiency and data traceability.
• Conform to all applicable safety standards for industrial machinery
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

 

Key qualifications include:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Computer Engineering Technology preferred; or have 2+ years of directly related industrial experience
• Foundational understanding of programming language and structure in any language and the drive to learn and understand PLC and control specific languages if not already familiar.(Ladder Logic, Python…)
• Basic electrical/control system design and troubleshooting methodology.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills – ability to work through complex technical challenges methodically.
• Eagerness to learn new platforms, languages, and systems.
• 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.
• Bring a constructive, team-focused mindset and a willingness to take on challenges

 

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.  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.

 

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.