Job Title: Process Engineer Location: Lakeville, MN Industry: Manufacturing / Fiber Optics / Process Development
Detailed Job Description:
We are seeking a Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and sustain manufacturing processes for fiber optic components and assemblies. This role requires deep expertise in fiber preparation, polishing, termination, inspection, connectorization, splicing, and optical performance testing. You will lead process development initiatives, support cross-functional teams, and drive improvements in quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency. This position is based onsite in the southwest metro area of Minneapolis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, develop, and implement manufacturing processes for fiber optic connector termination
- Design and validate processes for fiber splicing, fusion operations, and optical alignment
- Create specifications, work instructions, and control plans for all fiber optic processes
- Lead DOE (Design of Experiments) and capability studies to improve yield and reduce process variation
- Work in parallel with automation and process teams to develop new technology for fiber optics
- Develop global process integration for new products
- Provide advanced troubleshooting support for production issues related to polishing defects, insertion loss variability, back-reflection issues, or contamination
- Introduce new equipment such as polishers, interferometers, automated fiber cleavers, splicers, and optical test systems
- Train technicians and engineers on new tools and processes
- Perform root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to fiber optic manufacturing failures
- Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards (IEC, Telcordia GR-326, internal manufacturing specs)
- Maintain process documentation including PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, and qualification protocols
- Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, and NPI teams to support product launches
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis
- Lead technical reviews and mentor junior engineers in fiber optic technologies and best practices
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Optical, Manufacturing, or related field)
- Strong knowledge of optical materials, adhesives, epoxy curing, ferrules, and connector standards
- Proficiency in Lean/Six Sigma, SPC, capability analysis, manufacturing validation processes (IQ, OQ, PQ), and DOE development
- Ability to write clear documentation and train others
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years of work experience in the industry
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in fiber optic manufacturing processes including fiber optic termination, connector knowledge, optical testing (IL, RL, geometry, end-face quality), and splicing processes
- Process development and troubleshooting with strong automation direction
- Experience with automated fiber optic equipment and high-volume manufacturing
- Familiarity with fiber optic cables (PM fiber, large-core, multi-fiber arrays)
- Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects
Key Skills:
Process Engineer, Fiber Optic Manufacturing, Connector Termination, Polishing, Splicing, Optical Testing, DOE, Six Sigma, SPC, Process Development, Manufacturing Validation, IQ OQ PQ, Lean Manufacturing, Lakeville MN
GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Process Engineer
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