Job DescriptionCoherent is seeking a Vice President (or SVP) of Research to lead its advanced research organization.
This role is responsible for defining and executing the company's long-term research agenda, leading internal technology development, and delivering demonstrable, impactful technical results. The VP of Research will lead an organization composed of senior technical leaders, including Principal Investigators and industry-recognized experts, and ensure that research programs produce differentiated capabilities aligned with Coherent's strategic priorities.
The position reports to the CTO.
Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Strategy and Leadership- Lead research organization composed of Principal Investigators, senior technical leaders, and industry-recognized experts
- Define and execute a multi-year research roadmap aligned with company priorities in datacenter and communications, materials, industrial, and emerging technologies
- Sustain and build on a culture of technical rigor, ownership, innovation, and delivery
- Drive alignment and execution across highly experienced, largely self-directed technical leaders
- Oversee a portfolio of research programs, including prioritization and resource allocation, ensuring research investments deliver measurable technical outcomes aligned with corporate strategy
Technology Development, Incubation, and Transition- Drive development of key technologies from concept through proof of feasibility
- Deliver industry-leading demonstrations and proofs-of-concept that validate performance, scalability, and integration
- Identify and incubate new technologies emerging from research
- Define clear paths for technologies: advance, partner, monitor, or discontinue
- Transition successful technologies to Business Groups
- Drive adoption of advanced R&D capabilities, including simulation and AI-enabled tools and workflows
Technology Portfolio and External Alignment- Maintain a company-wide view of technology capabilities versus future requirements
- Identify and close gaps between research, product roadmaps, and anticipated needs
- Ensure alignment between internal research priorities and external system and market direction
- Evaluate external technologies and acquisition targets, providing build vs. buy vs. partner recommendations
Qualifications- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in photonics or optical communications
- Deep expertise in datacenter and communications systems and optical technologies
- Strong understanding of complex devices such as CW lasers, EMLs, silicon photonics, tunable lasers, and IQ modulators
- Proven track record leading research or advanced development teams
- Experience leading organizations composed of senior technical leaders or equivalent
- Experience translating research into product results
- Experience with advanced packaging is beneficial but not required
What We Are Looking For- Deep technical credibility with senior researchers and with customers in our ecosystem
- Strong judgment in selecting and prioritizing research directions
- Ability to drive programs from concept to proofs of concept and demonstrations
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.
Culture CommitmentEnsure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
