As the Lead Test Development Engineer, you will lead all aspects of test engineering, work with contract manufacturers, for our high-power CW lasers and their packages. This position demands a hands-on approach to product performance characterization, yield optimization, and production troubleshooting. Your expertise will guide the seamless integration of new products into existing systems and ensure our continued leadership in the market.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Test Engineering Leadership: Develop new test infrastructure including device-level and package-level test, characterization and burn-in systems for high-power CW lasers, high speed PD, and/or co-packaged optics, ensuring optimal performance and yield.
Manufacturing Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing teams and Fremont product engineering and logistic team to address needs and optimize performance with contract manufacturers.
Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate with Fremont Product Engineers, Design, Planning, Logistic team to ensure good quality product on time delivery on schedule.
Data Analysis: Utilize statistical methods to analyze reliability and test data, identifying trends and potential issues to improve product yield and quality; Perform statistical process control and gauge R&R for tester qualification and maintenance.
Team Management: Lead and potentially manage multidisciplinary teams, promoting a culture of innovation and collaborative success.
Education & Experience
- A Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, Materials Science, or related field.
- At minimum 7 years’ of industrial experience in engineering development, preferably with a focus on semiconductor lasers or related optoelectronic devices such as photodiodes, semiconductor lasers and other devices with InP based materials. Direct hands-on experience in semiconductor chip or module testing and instrumentation is highly desired.
Skills
- Solid background and experience in semiconductor laser testing and instrumentation.
- Proficient in data analysis and statistical evaluation related to test engineering.
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex projects and diverse teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing and preempting issues.
- Willingness to travel frequently to manufacturing sites.
- Excellent communication skills, essential for effective teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Working Conditions
- This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA.
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Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
Physical Requirements
- Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
- Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
- Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
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].
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
- Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, Materials Science, or related field.
- Minimum 7 years' industrial engineering development experience.
- Experience focused on semiconductor lasers or related optoelectronic devices (e.g., photodiodes, InP-based devices).
- Direct hands-on experience in semiconductor chip or module testing and test instrumentation.
- Solid background in semiconductor laser testing and instrumentation.
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical evaluation, including SPC and gauge R&R.
- Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
- Willingness to travel frequently to manufacturing sites.
- Ability to work on-site in Fremont, CA.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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..
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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.
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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.
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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
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.









