OFS 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 Coatings Engineer to join our division located in Avon, CT, and help support our Research & Development Engineering team.

This position is responsible for developing new coatings and cable materials used for specialty optical fibers and cables. The incumbent will provide technical support to Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, EHS and Quality teams.

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

• Plan, lead or participate in research and development of new coatings for new product and manufacturing process development.
• Lead and contribute to the development of new coatings and coatings processes in collaboration with OFS Labs, other OFS locations, and external partners.
• Document R&D results using project reports and patent disclosures and present papers at technical conferences.
• Develop theory and models to explain complex processes related to SPD products.
• Participate in product and process improvement projects.
• Maintain and improve the polymer/materials characterization lab, including FTIR, TGA, DSC, TMA, DMA and related equipment.
• Maintain equipment, calibration records and certification. Develop new and update existing ISO procedures for fiber and coating testing.
• Support Fiber, Cable, Assembly, Sensing, and Quality divisions of OFS-Avon with testing, material identification and troubleshooting.
• Provide technical support for other groups within OFS and FEC.
• Manage safe daily operations of the lab equipment.
• Perform other related duties as required by management.

Key qualifications include:

• B.S. or M.S. in Polymer Science/Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or similar technical field and 2+ years’ experience in related research and development/manufacturing environment.
• In depth knowledge and experience in polymer materials, and other potential coating materials and their processing.
• Experience with coatings application techniques and manufacturing processes
• Hand-on experience in polymer characterization techniques (FTIR, TGA, DSC, TMA, DMA)
• Knowledge of optical waveguide basics
• Excellent organizational skills and leadership skills.
• Project management familiarity.
• Good people skills and communications
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and communication skills.
• Lean manufacturing, Six-Sigma, and 5S experience preferred.

Working at OFS 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 directly at www.ofsoptics.com/careers.

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

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment. Reasonable accommodations for medical or religious exemption will be considered.

OFS, 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.