The Role
Leads a process engineering team supporting optical thin film manufacturing. Oversees process development, equipment and tooling implementation, manufacturing support, data analysis, quality compliance, continuous improvement, technology transitions, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. Manages engineering staff, performance, training, hiring, and resources while ensuring adherence to ISO, EHS, export control, intellectual property, and company requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Process Engineering Leadership and Manufacturing Support
- Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and technical oversight to the Process Engineering team.
- Ensure manufacturing issues related to coating, assembly, testing, and production processes are promptly identified, investigated, and resolved to minimize disruption and maintain operational efficiency.
- Oversee the analysis and evaluation of manufacturing and test data to ensure product quality, process capability, and compliance with customer requirements.
- Provide technical expertise and support to Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and other cross-functional teams as needed.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance, product quality, productivity, and cost competitiveness.
New Product and Process Development
- Lead the design, development, qualification, validation, and documentation of new products and manufacturing processes in accordance with ISO requirements and business objectives.
- Oversee the development and implementation of manufacturing equipment, tooling, and support systems that meet safety, quality, capability, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure process designs, specifications, and manufacturing methods are accurate, sustainable, and aligned with company engineering standards and best practices.
- Support successful transfer of new products and processes from development into full-scale production.
Engineering and Technology Advancement
- Direct engineering resources toward the development and implementation of innovative technologies that support business growth, operational excellence, and market leadership.
- Facilitate the effective transition of new technologies, products, and processes into commercial manufacturing operations.
- Support the protection and management of intellectual property, including the identification and safeguarding of trade secrets and proprietary technologies.
- Evaluate and implement engineering software, hardware, automation, and analytical tools that improve capabilities, reduce cycle times, and lower costs.
Quality, Compliance, and Documentation
- Ensure all products, processes, procedures, and documentation comply with applicable ISO standards, quality requirements, and regulatory expectations.
- Promote and maintain the highest standards of quality, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and business performance.
- Ensure manufacturing and engineering activities support a safe work environment and comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.
- Maintain accurate engineering documentation, records, reports, and process metrics.
People Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
- Lead performance management activities, including goal setting, development planning, performance feedback, and annual performance reviews.
- Develop and execute training and skill-development plans to enhance employee capability, productivity, and succession readiness.
- Manage staffing activities, including recruitment, selection, promotion, coaching, corrective action, and employee relations matters, in a fair and consistent manner.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, technology control plans, export control requirements, intellectual property protections, information technology standards, and quality procedures.
- Serve as a role model for ethical conduct, professionalism, leadership, quality, customer focus, and business results.
- Build and maintain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports employee engagement and organizational success.
Education & Experience
BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or equivalent).
- 15+ years’ experience in optical thin film manufacturing.
- 10+ years managing a team of engineers.
- Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware.
- Experience in electrical and mechanical systems.
- Extensive experience in electro-mechanical assembly and troubleshooting.
- Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering specifications and drawings.
- 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.
Skills & Other Requirements
- People Leader
- Building, Developing and Managing a Successful Team
- Customer Focus
- Establishing Strategic Direction
- Facilitating Change, Leadership
- Planning and Organizing
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making and Continuous Improvement,
- Professional and Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Results Oriented
- Teamwork and Conflict Management
Safety Requirements
Eployees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and COHERENT Corporate EHS standards.
Quality & Environmental Responsibilities
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:
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
Responsibilities- Lead and manage a team of engineers, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient and effective process engineering practices.
- Oversee the design, development, and implementation of optical thin film manufacturing processes, ensuring they meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and quality control, to optimize processes and enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in optical thin film manufacturing, vacuum deposition systems, and associated hardware.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies, maintaining a safe and environmentally conscious work environment.
- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Analyze and interpret data to identify process inefficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve productivity and quality.
- Prepare and present process engineering reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
- Manage and allocate resources effectively to meet production targets and timelines.
- BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or equivalent) is required.
- A minimum of 15 years of experience in optical thin film manufacturing is essential.
- 10+ years of experience managing a team of engineers, demonstrating strong leadership and mentorship skills.
- Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware, with a proven track record of optimizing processes.
- Experience in electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to understand and interpret complex engineering specifications and drawings.
- Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering principles and practices, including design, fabrication, and testing.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify process bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for process engineering, such as CAD/CAM systems and data analysis software.
- A proactive and results-driven approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for innovation.
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 degree or higher in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
- 15+ years of experience in optical thin film manufacturing
- 10+ years of experience managing a team of engineers
- Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware
- Experience with electrical and mechanical systems
- Experience in electro-mechanical assembly and troubleshooting
- Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering specifications, drawings, principles, design, fabrication, and testing
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with relevant process engineering software and tools, including CAD/CAM systems and data analysis software
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, email, internet tools, and developing tools or applications within these packages
- Knowledge of applicable ISO, quality, environmental, health, and safety requirements
- People leadership, team development, strategic direction, change facilitation, planning, decision-making, conflict management, and continuous improvement 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.
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The Company
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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