Lead Optical Component Engineer

Posted 18 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
In-Office
Senior level
Industrial • Manufacturing
The Role
Designs and develops optical components for optical communication systems, performing simulations, modeling, analysis, supplier qualification, specification development, and component-level testing. Leads incoming inspection and quality-control processes, provides troubleshooting and root-cause failure analysis, and supports manufacturing and supplier activities. The role requires an optics or physics degree, at least five years of experience, knowledge of telecom optical components, strong project and communication skills, and possible clean-room work.
Summary Generated by Built In

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Design and develop optical components for Optical Communication Systems (OCS).
  • Perform optical simulations, modeling, and performance analyses to validate designs.
  • Identify, evaluate, and qualify component suppliers and vendors.
  • Develop detailed component specifications that meet performance, quality, reliability, and cost targets.
  • Lead component-level qualification activities and establish incoming inspection and quality control processes.
  • Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and root cause failure analysis for optical components and systems.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and advancements in optical engineering and related fields. Continuously enhance technical expertise through training, professional development, and participation in industry forums and conferences.

Education & Experience

  • BS or MS in optics/physics or related technical fields.
  • Minimum 5 years of related experience.

Skills

  • Multidisciplinary background field in optics, Physics, Materials science etc., Optical engineering is preferred

  • Familiar with telecom fibers, cables, connectors, passive optical components , coating etc.

  • Ability to work with minimum supervision to manage assigned tasks and projects effectively. 

  • Ability to read, learn and analyze complex materials and processes, search for solutions in the public domain as well as create/develop innovative solutions.

  • Ability to leverage knowledge and experience and apply them to solve problems resourcefully.

  • Ability to search, locate and work proactively with external suppliers in the areas of his/her expertise to engage other capabilities into the project tasks involved in.

  • Effectively managing multiple priorities and projects.

  • Ability to teach and train others within the work group.

  • Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills.

  • Proficient computer skills, experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Email, internet access and the ability to develop tools and/or special applications within these packages.

  • Zemax experience is a plus.

Working Conditions

  • Good office working conditions.   Could work in a Class 10000 clean-room environment, wearing smock with mask and gloves for optical component test.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to move light equipment and tooling (<25lbs) as needed when setting up manufacturing stations.

Safety Requirements

 

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

 

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].


About UsCoherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.


Skills Required

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in optics, physics, or a related technical field
  • At least 5 years of related experience
  • Background in optics, physics, materials science, or optical engineering
  • Familiarity with telecom fibers, cables, connectors, passive optical components, and coatings
  • Ability to manage tasks and projects with minimal supervision
  • Ability to analyze complex materials and processes and develop solutions
  • Ability to work proactively with external suppliers
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
  • Ability to teach and train colleagues
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills
  • Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, email, and internet tools
  • Ability to work in a Class 10000 clean-room environment and handle equipment or tooling under 25 pounds
  • Zemax experience

Coherent Corp. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Coherent Corp. and has not been reviewed or approved by Coherent Corp..

  • Healthcare Strength — Healthcare Strength: Health coverage includes multiple national and region-specific options (UHC HDHP/HSA, PPO, EPO; Kaiser in CA; Health Net in OR) plus separate dental (Delta Dental) and vision (VSP), indicating strong breadth and choice. This breadth supports a solid total package in certain roles and locations.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity Value & Accessibility: An Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows buying shares at 85% of market price with contributions up to 10% of pay, expanding ownership access. This feature can materially bolster total rewards even when base pay is mid‑pack.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Leave & Time Off Breadth: Paid time off includes 15 vacation days for new hires, 10 paid holidays, and additional paid time during a December shutdown. This structure provides a clear and competitive baseline for time away from work.

Coherent Corp. Insights

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The Company
HQ: Saxonburg, PA
3,569 Employees

What We Do

Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.

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