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

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

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SOURCE LightPath Technologies