Coherent

Senior Manager, Laser Development

Coherent • $120K — $150K *
Sizerock, KY 41762In-Person
Telecommunications & Hardware
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
  • 15+ years of experience in semiconductor laser development
  • 5+ years of technical leadership experience
  • Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics, including DFB lasers and optical confinement
  • Experience with device modeling and simulation tools like Ansys or Lumerical

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of InP-based semiconductor laser products for data communication
  • Provide technical leadership in laser architecture and device design
  • Drive product development from concept to production release
  • Coordinate cross-functional efforts in fabrication and manufacturing
  • Interface with customers to gather requirements and communicate progress
  • Mentor engineers and develop future technical leaders
  • Manage multiple development programs while balancing risks and resources

Benefits

  • On-site position in Fremont, CA
  • Opportunities for mentoring and professional development
  • Involvement in cutting-edge technology development
  • Collaborative team environment with external partners
  • Potential for occasional site travel for collaboration activities
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead the development of next-generation InP-based semiconductor laser products for data communication applications.
  • Provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, and performance optimization.
  • Drive product development programs from concept through qualification and production release.
  • Lead cross-functional development efforts involving epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing.
  • Interface directly with customers to understand requirements, communicate technical progress, and influence product roadmaps.
  • Collaborate with external partners, foundries, contractors, and suppliers to accelerate development activities.
  • Mentor engineers and help develop future technical leaders within the organization.
  • Support technology roadmap development, strategic planning, and technical decision-making.
  • Drive execution of multiple development programs simultaneously while balancing technical risk, schedule, resources, and customer commitments.
  • Depending on organizational needs, directly manage engineers and provide leadership in hiring, performance management, career development, and organizational growth.

Education & Experience
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 15+ years of experience in semiconductor laser development.
  • 5+ years of technical leadership experience.

Skills
  • Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics, including DFB lasers, waveguide design, optical confinement, grating design, and device performance optimization.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop semiconductor laser products from concept through volume production.
  • Strong understanding of the interactions between device design, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, reliability, and manufacturing.
  • Experience with device modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Ansys, Crosslight, FIMMWAVE, Lumerical, or equivalent).
  • Proven ability to make sound technical decisions in situations with incomplete information and competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional development programs involving multiple engineering disciplines and sites.
  • Ability to effectively mentor engineers and develop technical talent.
  • Experience interacting directly with strategic customers and translating customer requirements into product specifications and development plans.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and executive audiences.
  • Ability to balance long-term technology development with short-term business and customer needs.
  • Demonstrated ownership, urgency, and execution in a fast-paced product development environment.
  • Prior people-management experience is desirable but not required. Candidates with exceptional technical leadership experience and demonstrated ability to develop engineers will also be considered.

Working Conditions
  • This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA.
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

Physical Requirements
  • Occasional travel to other sites may be necessary.
  • 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
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 Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Senior Manager, Laser Development jobs:

NationwideSizerock, KY