LightPath Technologies Appoints Respected Photonics Veteran Stephen Mielke, Ph.D., as Vice President of Engineering

Rhea-AI Summary

LightPath Technologies (NASDAQ: LPTH) has appointed Dr. Stephen L. Mielke as Vice President of Engineering, effective immediately. Dr. Mielke brings over 20 years of photonics industry experience, most recently serving as Optical System Architect at Luminar Technologies, where he led the development of next-generation automotive LiDAR systems.

The appointment aligns with LightPath's strategic transition from a component manufacturer to a comprehensive system supplier. Dr. Mielke's extensive background includes roles in R&D, product development, marketing, and sales across various companies. His experience spans multiple applications, including automotive LiDAR, semiconductor industry equipment, and optical metrology. Prior to Luminar, he served as Director of Engineering at Zygo Corporation, leading a team of 30 engineers.

Positive

• Strategic hire aligns with company's transition from component to system supplier
• New VP brings 20+ years of relevant industry experience from leading companies like Luminar and Zygo
• Dr. Mielke's diverse expertise spans R&D, product development, marketing, and sales

Negative

• None.

Former Luminar Optical Engineering Executive to Spearhead LightPath's Transition from Component to System Supplier

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) ("LightPath," the "Company," "we," or "our"), a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications, today announced the appointment of Stephen L. Mielke, Ph.D., a veteran executive in the photonics industry, as Vice President of Engineering, effective immediately.

Dr. Mielke brings to LightPath over 20 years' experience in the photonics industry, developing a deep understanding of electro-optical systems and technologies. Over his career, Dr. Mielke has pursued product development in a wide range of applications, including automotive LiDAR, OEM equipment for the semiconductor industry, transmitted wavefront metrology from deep UV to far IR, and optical metrology of surfaces for a wide range of applications from mobile device lenses to commercial razor blades. He has worked in a diverse set of roles including R&D, product development, marketing, and sales, with companies ranging from component suppliers to capital equipment manufacturers.

Prior to joining LightPath, he was the Optical System Architect, Advanced Development at Luminar Technologies, leading the development of the optical architecture for Luminar's next generation of automotive LiDAR. At Zygo Corporation Dr. Mielke served as Director of Engineering, leading a team of 30 engineers developing advanced optical metrology tools. Dr. Mielke holds a B.A. in Physics from Lawrence University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Physics from SUNY Stony Brook.

"We are privileged to welcome Steve to the engineering leadership team and are eager to benefit from his decades of experience in engineering, electro-optical systems and technologies from industry leaders such as Luminar and Zygo," said Sam Rubin, President and Chief Executive Officer of LightPath. "Steve brings deep, firsthand experience across the full product lifecycle, transitioning new products from development to production with his technical expertise centered on electro-optical assemblies. In addition, he has deep practical knowledge in turning prototypes into successful products. As we continue to transition from a component company to a product company, growth will be driven by new product introductions. Steve's engineering leadership will enable us to move rapidly from development to deployment on key cameras and optics products." 

Dr. Mielke added: "LightPath has exceptional potential as a vertically integrated optical systems supplier, with in-house capabilities from raw glass manufacturing to the building and testing of complete electro-optic systems. I'm honored to join the team at this pivotal moment as it harnesses its technology, vision, and momentum to become the leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for defense and commercial customers. I look forward to leveraging my experience to help accelerate the delivery of cameras and optics across a broad range of applications to a diverse market of verticals and a growing defense and government segment."

About LightPath Technologies

LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) is a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications. As a vertically integrated solutions provider with in-house engineering design support, LightPath's family of custom solutions range from proprietary BlackDiamond™ chalcogenide-based glass materials – sold under exclusive license from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory – to complete infrared optical systems and thermal imaging assemblies. The Company's primary manufacturing footprint is located in Orlando, Florida with additional facilities in Texas, New Hampshire, Latvia and China. To learn more, please visit www.lightpath.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "guidance," "plan," "estimate," "will," "would," "project," "maintain," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "prospect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "believe," "continue," "opportunity," "potential," and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: (i) anticipated timing for program awards, as well as any resulting impact on our financial performance; (ii) the impact of the G5 acquisition on our business and results of operations; (iii) the performance of our product portfolio and expected market potential with our products and (iv) expectations regarding our ability to secure government and military projects with certain customers. These forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the impact of varying demand for the Company products; the ability of the Company to obtain needed raw materials and components from its suppliers; the impact of tariffs and other governmental trade restrictions; actions governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to the pandemic, including restrictions on onsite commercial interactions; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; geopolitical tensions, the Russian-Ukraine conflict, and the Hamas/ Israel war; the effects of steps that the Company could take to reduce operating costs; the inability of the Company to sustain profitable sales growth, convert inventory to cash, or reduce its costs to maintain competitive prices for its products; circumstances or developments that may make the Company unable to implement or realize the anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of its current and planned business initiatives; and those factors detailed by the Company in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or facts materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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SOURCE LightPath Technologies

FAQ

Who is the new Vice President of Engineering at LightPath Technologies (NASDAQ: LPTH)?

Dr. Stephen L. Mielke has been appointed as Vice President of Engineering at LightPath Technologies, bringing over 20 years of photonics industry experience.

What is Dr. Mielke's previous work experience before joining LightPath Technologies?

Dr. Mielke previously served as Optical System Architect at Luminar Technologies working on automotive LiDAR, and as Director of Engineering at Zygo Corporation leading a team of 30 engineers.

What is LightPath Technologies' current business transformation strategy?

LightPath is strategically transitioning from a component manufacturer to a comprehensive system supplier in the optics and imaging systems market for defense and commercial applications.

What are Dr. Mielke's educational qualifications?

Dr. Mielke holds a B.A. in Physics from Lawrence University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Physics from SUNY Stony Brook.