Coherent

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Coherent$130K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS or Ph.D. in Optics or related field; Bachelor's degree with hands-on experience considered under exceptional circumstances.
  • 10+ years of experience in design, simulation, testing, and inspection of optical systems.
  • 5+ years in optical design/simulations for industries like fiber optics and Si-Photonics.
  • Proven ability in working with teams to guide products from prototype to production.
  • Familiarity with optical networks and precision mechanical components.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct activities consistent with corporate values and code of conduct.
  • Provide technical support to internal teams and customers globally.
  • Develop methods for optical system assembly and inspection.
  • Engage in new product development involving multiple engineering functions.
  • Manage project timelines and cross-disciplinary activities.
  • Oversee design document processes and implement changes in product releases.
  • Communicate project status and recommendations to management.

Benefits

  • Hybrid/remote work flexibility
  • Opportunities for international travel
  • Engage with a global team across diverse cultures
  • Support for professional development and continued education
  • Exposure to cutting-edge optical technologies and practices.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conduct all activities in a manner consistent with Coherent' s corporate values and Code of Conduct.
  • Provide professional technical support to internal departments, sales and marketing teams worldwide, and customers as needed.
  • Introduce and help develop efficient and improved methods for optical system assembly and inspection as needed.
  • Involved directly with new product development projects incorporating optical, electrical, mechanical, software and system integration engineering functions.
  • Ensure meeting project schedule and timelines and milestones, and the completion of complex cross-disciplinary activities within project team.
  • Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product release process.
  • Communicates project status and progresses to management as appropriate, including recommendations on resources, process development, and product improvement and management.
  • Individual contributor on the project team in addition to project management responsibilities.
  • Keep abreast of customer needs and new competitive products, assessing the related impact on company projects/products development plans.
  • Identify, select, and implement new development, component, manufacturing and/or testing technologies.
  • Maintain technical relationships with key suppliers, as needed.

Education & Experience
  • MS or Ph. D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered in exceptional circumstances.
  • 10+ years' experience in design, simulation, testing, and inspection of fiber optics, optical imaging systems, laser, illumination or other optical systems.
  • A minimum of 5 years' experience in optical design and simulations for fiber optics, Si-Photonics, laser, life science, LiDAR, machine vision and other related industries.
  • Experienced in working with customers and engineering team to effectively and successfully bring optical products through product life cycle from prototyping to volume production.

Skills

  • Strong foundation in Si-Photonics, optics, physics, fiber optics, optical networks system.
  • Proficient in using optical design tools - e.g. OptiStudio, Code-V etc. to do Optical system design, simulations, optimization, tolerance analysis.
  • Hands-on experiences in optical design for industries within semiconductors, fiber optics, machine vision, and laser. Experience of Co-package optical design and architecture is preferable.
  • Knowledgeable and experienced with precision mechanical components and manufacturing, materials for fiber optical modules and assemblies.
  • Able to utilize various equipment and to develop test plans for optical devices and optical components, assemblies and systems for engineering and production.
  • Demonstrate ability to DfX, DfM and to solve complex issues in optical design and opto-mechanical product development.
  • Preferred experience of working in a fast paced optical or Si-photonics manufacturing environment, especially dealing with multiple projects of optical and opto-mechanical assemblies.
  • Be flexible and work efficiently in a multi-site, cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment
  • Leadership and the ability to work highly independently with minimal guidance from supervisors on specific tasks
  • The ability to work and deliver on aggressive schedules.
  • Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese is preferable.
  • Preferred U.S. Citizen or Permanent Residence due to possible sensitive IP discussion with U.S. customers.


  • Able to develop long-term plans, programs and goals, to evaluate work accomplishments and provide effective feedback.
  • Able to learn, share, work with, and interpret software and test equipment based on requirements.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of evaluation methods through product development.
  • Good independent planning skills to successfully complete multiple and cross-functional projects.
  • Creative, analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Capability to teamwork and collaborate among different functions.
  • Capable in technical communication and being able to express effectively to manufacturing personnel.
  • Ability to work in cross-organization, cross-culture, and global team environment.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Working Conditions
  • This position is hybrid / remote
  • May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
  • Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
  • May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive's needs

Physical Requirements
  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting 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.
  • Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

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

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