Job DescriptionWe are seeking a Senior Crystal Growth Engineer in our Port Richey Florida location, with strong experience in oxide crystal growth using the Czochralski technique to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of crystal growth processes and equipment. This role combines deep process expertise with leadership in the design, specification, documentation, and sourcing of new crystal growth equipment, supporting both development and production needs.
Primary Duties & ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities- Lead the crystal growth process development.
- Develop and optimize growth recipes including melt chemistry, thermal gradients, motion control, atmosphere control, and diameter control.
- Drive continuous improvement in crystal quality, yield, and reproducibility.
- Provide technical leadership in the design, specification, and procurement of new crystal growth equipment.
- Define raw material specifications (purity, morphology, trace impurities) and acceptance criteria.
- Create and maintain engineering drawings, layouts, and tooling designs for CZ furnaces, hot zones, and related hardware.
- Author, review, and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and process documentation.
- Define equipment requirements, performance specifications, and acceptance criteria.
- Collaborate with vendors on the design and customization of furnaces, power supplies, and hot zone components.
- Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new crystal growth systems.
- Apply working knowledge of RF heating systems and alternative heating approaches appropriate for oxide CZ growth.
- Troubleshoot complex growth and equipment-related issues.
- Perform and interpret crystal characterization.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and manufacturing requirements.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in single-crystal growth with significant oxide Czochralski experience
- Experience supporting or leading crystal growth equipment design, selection, or procurement
- Experience creating engineering drawings and detailed work instructions
- Strong understanding of CZ furnace subsystems and crystal growth fundamentals
- Experience with crystal characterization
- Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications- Experience growing oxide crystals
- Familiarity with RF induction heating systems
- Experience scaling from R&D to pilot or production environments
- CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
- Vendor management or capital equipment sourcing experience
Safety RequirementsAll employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental ResponsibilitiesDepending 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.
