Coherent

Photonics Engineer

Coherent • $110K — $130K *
Santa Clara, CA 95051In-Person
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Materials Science.
  • 3+ years of R&D experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic devices.
  • Hands-on experience with nanofabrication processes including EBL and RIE.
  • Proficiency in optical and electrical modeling tools like Lumerical or COMSOL.
  • High-speed optoelectronic testing experience at GHz frequencies.
  • Familiarity with applying 2D materials, notably graphene, in device applications.

Responsibilities

  • Design and model VCSEL structures for emission at 1060 nm.
  • Develop photonic crystal cavities to improve light interaction with graphene.
  • Optimize device parameters for performance metrics exceeding 100 GHz bandwidth.
  • Collaborate on graphene doping strategies and deposition techniques.
  • Coordinate fabrication processes including deposition and patterning with external facilities.
  • Conduct high-speed testing and characterization of graphene-based VCSELs.
  • Document experiments and contribute to patents and publications.

Benefits

  • Onsite or hybrid work options available.
  • Collaborative environment with engineers and scientists in R&D.
  • Opportunity for involvement in patent filings and technical publications.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Device Design & Simulation
    • Design and model backside-emitting VCSEL structures optimized for 1060 nm emission.
    • Develop and simulate photonic crystal cavity structures to enhance light-graphene interaction.
    • Optimize device parameters for >100 GHz 3 dB bandwidth, 3 dB extinction ratio.
  • Graphene Integration
    • Collaborate with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies.
    • Evaluate doping approaches (boron and molecular adsorbate) for Fermi level tuning and resistance control.
    • Define gate oxide materials and thicknesses to minimize RC time constants in device performance.
  • Fabrication Coordination
    • Work with Coherent's Sherman facility to coordinate deposition, patterning, and etching processes.
    • Oversee e-beam lithography (EBL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) for photonic crystal patterning.
    • Integrate ITO contacts and graphene layers for electrical backgating.
  • Testing & Characterization
    • Perform electrical efficiency and high-speed modulation testing of graphene-based VCSELs.
    • Conduct optical reflection and modulation experiments using spectrometers, beamsplitters, and photodiodes.
    • Collaborate with Coherent teams in Fremont and Stanford University for advanced characterization.
  • Collaboration & Documentation
    • Work cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and external partners.
    • Maintain detailed experiment logs, test reports, and contribute to patent filings and publications.

Education & Experience
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D.
  • Hands-on experience with nanofabrication (EBL, RIE, PVD/ALD/CVD).
  • Proficiency with optical and electrical modeling tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • Experience with high-speed (GHz+) optoelectronic testing.
  • Experience working with 2D materials (e.g., graphene) in optoelectronic applications.

Skills
  • Knowledge of graphene doping and gate-tunable devices.
  • Experience in cross-site collaboration and vendor management (international).
  • Familiarity with backside-emitting VCSEL architectures and photonic crystal design.
  • Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
  • Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp. xxxxx.

Working Conditions
  • Onsite or hybrid work
  • Regular collaboration with engineers and scientist in a fast-paced R&D setting, with both independent and team-based tasks

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform fine manual tasks under a microscope and handle delicate semiconductor components with precision.
  • Capability to stand or sit for extended periods while working in a lab or cleanroom environment.

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
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ
COHR
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Coherent

More Technical Services Jobs

Find similar Photonics Engineer jobs:

NationwideSanta Clara, CA