Primary Duties & Responsibilities
1) Optical Design-60%
A) Build bench-top prototype systems and verify optical performance.
B) Conduct optical design and verification for OTDR, OPS, OSA and other fiber-optic devices.
C) Run optical verification testing to assess product feasibility and performance expectations including margining.
D) Optimize optical designs of existing products to reduce product cost, improve performance, simplify processes, and improve manufacturing yield.
E) Interact with suppliers on optical component specifications and sample procurement.
F) Engage with cross-functional teams to fully define product performance specs.
G) Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing.
2) Product & Process Support and Troubleshooting -25%
A) Troubleshoot and solve optical performance related issues in various product development phases.
B) Recommend, devise, plan, and execute engineering studies and projects to solve problems discovered and/or as assigned.
C) Determine, develop and implement new methods, technologies, and processes that improve performance, cost, or deliveries of existing products.
D) Support the transfer of new products and processes to manufacturing.
3) New Technology Development-10%
A) Generate innovative technical ideas and contribute to the Intellectual Property Portfolio.
B) Explore new technologies for use in telecommunications and related industries.
C) Keep abreast of and recommend new technologies with consideration of the applicability and viability to WSS markets.
4) Special Assignments-5%
A) Support special projects as required.
B) Report on projects and make recommendations to upper Management.
Education & Experience
• Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Material Science or equivalent
• Experience with designing, diagnosing, and implementing fiber optical systems
• Hands-on experience in troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently and/or with a team
• Ability to recommend and implement product improvements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Data analysis skills in Excel, Python, or other tool or choice
Skills
• Working knowledge of optical systems, fiber-optic components, devices, and associated hardware
• Expertise with OTDR or other optical metrology systems is a plus.
• Extensive hands-on experience with optical design and testing
• Leadership and the ability to work highly independently with minimal guidance from supervisor on specific tasks.
• Creative, analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities
• Able to work and deliver on aggressive schedule.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, dedicated and teamwork oriented
• Ability to write basic scripts for modelling and data analysis
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency
• Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross cultural, global team environment.
• Works will require the support reoccurring meetings with China and/or India in the early evening
Working Conditions
Office environment with regular interaction in laboratory and manufacturing settings.
Occasional domestic and international travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites may be required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including extended periods of sitting, standing, and use of standard lab equipment.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow site Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) procedures and Coherent 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 in Optics, Physics, Material Science or equivalent
- Experience designing, diagnosing, and implementing fiber optical systems
- Extensive hands-on experience with optical design and testing
- Hands-on experience in troubleshooting and problem solving
- Working knowledge of optical systems, fiber-optic components, devices, and associated hardware
- Data analysis skills in Excel, Python, or other tool
- Ability to write basic scripts for modelling and data analysis
- Experience interacting with suppliers on component specifications and sample procurement
- Ability to support transfer of new products and processes to manufacturing
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to support recurring early-evening meetings with China and/or India
- Expertise with OTDR or other optical metrology systems
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.









