Program 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 a Program Manager to support Lightera Laboratories in Somerset, NJ.  The role will report into the Strategic Program Manager as part of the broader Portfolio Management team. The Program Manager will support the Labs by leading research programs that span from early stage, horizon 3 work to more immediate horizon 1 projects as well as prototyping and transfer to manufacturing. Many of these programs will involve cross-functional collaborations between Labs and business units at other sites.  This role is responsible for planning, executing, and managing programs from concept through completion, while aligning priorities with research direction and business strategy.   

 

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

 

• Plan and lead new programs, including research in product and process development, cost reduction, and capital implementation 

• Manage full project lifecycle: scope, schedule, cost, risk, resources, and technical performance 

• Lead cross-functional teams and drive execution, removing roadblocks and resolving issues 

• Communicate program status, risks, and progress to stakeholders and leadership 

• Maintain accurate project documentation in line with quality system requirements 

• Oversee and continuously rebalance the project portfolio in alignment with organizational goals 

• Partner with leadership on resource allocation, risk assessment, and prioritization 

• Support sales and marketing with product knowledge and customer engagement as needed 

• Collaborate with procurement and engineering to establish and manage supply chains 

• Contribute to proposals, contracts, and financial planning (including cost control and CERs where applicable) 

• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in program management processes 

• Navigate challenging conversations around priorities, resources, and project viability 

 

 

 

Key qualifications include: 

 

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field 

• 2–15 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or program/project management 

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects to completion 

• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills 

• Basic financial acumen (cost models, project cash flow) 

 

Preferred qualifications include: 

 

• 5–10 years of program/project management experience in product lifecycle or stage-gate environments 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Project 

• Experience with optical fiber or cabling technology 

• Customer-facing experience 

 

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.