Coherent

Lead Design Engineer

Coherent$110K — $130K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred)
  • 3-5 years of relevant industry experience
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, especially laser physics
  • Hands-on experience with device characterization techniques
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies
  • Strong analytical skills and data analysis capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and project management skills

Responsibilities

  • Drive the design and development of InP-based semiconductor lasers
  • Own laser design aspects: grating, epitaxy, and coating
  • Conduct device simulation to optimize performance
  • Launch wafer fabrication and manage execution
  • Create test protocols for effective design feedback
  • Coordinate with internal and external technical teams
  • Manage program schedules and milestones
  • Interact with customers to align requirements with specifications

Benefits

  • Full-time, on-site position with opportunities for career advancement
  • Occasional travel providing exposure to external vendors and customers
  • Hands-on involvement in innovative semiconductor technology
  • Engagement in cross-functional collaboration to enhance technical skills
  • Work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment that values problem-solving.
Full Job Description
Job Description

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world's communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent's broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs.

Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to drive the design and development of high-power InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications. This role requires technical leadership, hands-on device development, and cross-functional coordination across internal teams and external partners. This role is an opportunity to be at the forefront of high-power laser innovation in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. If you thrive on hands-on development, technical challenges, and collaborative problem-solving, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Design and execution of InP-based semiconductor lasers for high-speed data communication applications.
  • Comprehensive hands-on ownership of all aspects of laser design, including grating, epitaxy, and coating.
  • Device simulation to identify key design variables and set targets for optimal performance and yield.
  • Formulation and execution of wafer fabrication launch.
  • Design of test protocols and techniques to provide effective design feedback.
  • Technical coordination of internal and external teams, including epitaxy, semiconductor wafer fabrication, assembly, and test.
  • Program management, tracking schedule and milestones to ensure timely execution.
  • Customer interaction, translating customer requirements into laser specifications.
  • Direct engagement with external vendors, handling both technical and business aspects.

Education & Experience
  • MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred).
  • 3-5 years of relevant industry experience.

Skills
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, particularly laser physics and operating characteristics.
  • Experience with device simulation is a plus.
  • Working knowledge of semiconductor device fabrication processes, with hands-on experience preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with device characterization techniques, including both electrical and optical measurements.
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
  • Strong analytical skills, including statistical tools, data analysis, and presentation.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex teams in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, including documentation.

Working Conditions
  • Full-time, on-site position.
  • Occasional travel required.

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.

About Coherent

Coherent, Inc. is a global leader in providing laser-based solutions to a broad range of commercial and scientific research customers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets lasers, laser-based systems, precision optics, and related accessories for a diverse group of customers. Coherent's markets include scientific research, OEM components and instrumentation, microelectronics, materials processing, and life sciences. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications. Coherent was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Learn more about Coherent
Size
5,085 employees
Market Cap
$4.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Coherent

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Lead Design Engineer jobs: