Job Description

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 are seeking a Maintenance Supervisor to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT and support continued business growth.

This position is responsible for leading and/or supporting the selection, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized production machinery and critical building infrastructure. Maintenance priorities include buildings and grounds, HVAC equipment, electrical distribution systems, stationary manlifts, compressed air systems, specialty gas supply and distribution, and critical spare parts inventory. In this role, you will lead a skilled and experienced team of maintenance technicians and contracted services. Your essential function is to maintain a safe work environment while minimizing downtime for equipment involved in the machining of specialty glass preforms, optical fiber, optical cable, and optical fiber assemblies for advanced technology applications. In this role, you will utilize a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and a building automation system (BAS). You will be continuously supported by an experienced team of engineers, safety and regulatory professionals, and technical specialists.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Oversee precise mechanical and electrical maintenance of fiber draw towers, including furnaces, cooling systems, ventilation and specialized coating applications.

• Manage routine and emergency repairs for high-speed extrusion lines, tension control systems, and take-up reels.

• Maintain high-precision tools such as automated testing equipment (OTDR) and pneumatic assembly stations.

• Direct the maintenance of complex industrial HVAC systems, including cleanroom climate control, chillers, and air handling units (AHUs) essential for all production and support services.

• Supervise the installation, service and repair of critical utility systems, including electrical, utility plumbing, and compressed air.

• Ensure the facility exterior and building and grounds are safe, secure and professionally maintained, including contracted snow removal, landscaping, and parking lot safety.

• Schedule, assign, and review the work of a maintenance crew. Engage in constructive leadership, hands-on training and positive performance feed-back.

• Manage third-party contractors and vendors for specialized repairs and miscellaneous facility projects (ranging from small to large).

Key qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is desired, or high school diploma with professional certifications in HVAC or electrical systems.
• 5-10 years of industrial maintenance experience, with 2+ years in a supervisory role, preferably within an ISO certified manufacturing environment.
• Deep expertise in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and automation systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including mechanical/electrical codes. Experience with hazardous material handling a plus.
• Proficiency in using CMMS for work order tracking, inventory management and preventative maintenance scheduling.

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.

Note: 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.