Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Partner with cross-functional teams including optical design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, process engineering, and suppliers to ensure quality is built into product and process development.
Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, and 5-Why to resolve internal and customer-facing quality issues.
Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure and verify effectiveness through data-based validation and follow-up.
Develop and maintain quality plans, control plans, inspection strategies, and process documentation for optical systems and assemblies.
Implement and monitor yield metrics, and other quality indicators to reduce variation and improve product performance.
Conduct and support internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other applicable quality management standards.
Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate process capability, manage nonconformances, and improve overall supply chain quality performance.
Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp activities, ensuring process readiness, risk mitigation, and manufacturing scalability.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles within a technical manufacturing environment.
Prepare and present quality performance reports, audit findings, and improvement plans to leadership and key stakeholders.
Education & Experience
M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in quality engineering focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies.
Demonstrated experience supporting products through NPI and high-volume technical manufacturing environments.
Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments preferred.
Skills
Strong technical understanding of optical systems including lasers, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto-mechanical assemblies.
Exceptional root cause investigation and failure analysis capabilities in complex technical manufacturing environments.
Experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits within ISO-based quality management systems.
Proven track record in process improvement, yield enhancement, and implementation of quality systems and controls.
Hands-on experience working closely with manufacturing teams to resolve quality escapes and improve process robustness.
Ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams and leadership.
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams and suppliers.
Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.
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
- M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
- Minimum 10 years of quality engineering experience focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies
- Experience supporting products through new product introduction and high-volume technical manufacturing environments
- Technical understanding of optical systems, lasers, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto-mechanical assemblies
- Root cause investigation and failure analysis experience in complex technical manufacturing environments
- Experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits within ISO-based quality management systems
- Experience with process improvement, yield enhancement, quality systems, and quality controls
- Hands-on experience working with manufacturing teams to resolve quality escapes and improve process robustness
- Strong technical data analysis, communication, cross-functional collaboration, and supplier management skills
- Experience in fast-paced or startup environments
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally to suppliers and manufacturing sites occasionally
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.
