R&D Engineer – Specialty Fiber Preform Processes

Join the international teams of Prysmian's Optical Fiber R&D organization and contribute to the development and industrialization of next-generation specialty optical fibers at the Douvrin plant, France.

Description

Reporting to Fiber R&D Management, you will drive glass preparation, glass-structure assembly and drilling process development, qualification and scale-up for specialty fibers, especially Multi-Core Fiber, PANDA fiber and reduced-diameter fiber. You will support innovation projects from laboratory development through industrial implementation, with a strong focus on product performance, process robustness, manufacturing efficiency and cost competitiveness.

In a Multicultural And Multisite Environment, You Will

• Develop, optimize and industrialize manufacturing processes used for specialty fiber preforms and optical fibers.
• Support the development of advanced products including Multi-Core Fibers, Polarization Maintaining Fibers, reduced-diameter fibers and future specialty fiber technologies.
• Define, execute and analyze experimental programs to improve process capability, product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Establish process specifications, operating windows and qualification criteria based on experimental results and statistical analysis.
• Lead process qualification and validation activities in collaboration with Product R&D, Quality, Process Control and Manufacturing teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield improvement, cost reduction, process robustness and operational excellence.
• Investigate process deviations, perform root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Support technology transfer and deployment of new products and processes into manufacturing.
• Contribute to equipment upgrades, tooling development, metrology improvements and industrial investment projects.
• Collaborate with international R&D teams and production sites to share knowledge and best practices.
• Contribute to innovation activities through patents, publications, technical benchmarking and technology watch.
• Develop technical expertise and actively share knowledge within the organization.

Safety First

• Apply and enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Promote the prevention of occupational risks and control of pollution and nuisances.
• Adhere to and advocate for best practices in safety and continuous improvement.

Travel within Prysmian's international organization may occasionally be required.

Profile

• Master's degree in Engineering or Science (Materials Science, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering or similar); PhD is a plus.
• Experience in industrial R&D, process development, manufacturing engineering or technology development.
• Knowledge of optical fiber manufacturing, glass processing, deposition technologies, plasma processes, precision assembly, glass drilling or advanced manufacturing processes is an advantage.
• Strong experimental mindset with demonstrated capabilities in data analysis, statistical methods and problem solving.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE), process characterization and industrial qualification methodologies.
• Knowledge of programming, data analytics and database tools (Python, SQL, statistical software) is appreciated.
• Fluent English is mandatory; French is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Autonomous, rigorous, innovative, hands-on and results-oriented.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

At Prysmian, innovation, teamplay, passion and belonging are part of our DNA. We offer:

• Growth Opportunities: Access to resources that promote individual responsibility, employee development, and a culture of feedback.
• Inclusive Environment: A strong commitment to inclusion and gender equality, with everyone playing a role in advancing this important social cause.
• Supportive Culture: Employee surveys, international programs, and an internal academy dedicated to your development.

Prysmian , as an Equal Opportunity Empl