Telecom Edge Emitting Laser Design Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Zürich; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. Zurich is seeking a Semiconductor Laser Diode Engineer to design and optimize edge-emitting lasers for next-generation telecom applications.

You will lead end-to-end laser chip design, defining epitaxial structures and performance targets while driving reliability improvements and cost efficiency. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, apply advanced simulation and data-driven optimization, and validate designs through experimental collaboration with engineering and

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a closely related field (Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering).
• Experience in semiconductor laser physics and telecom laser diode design, including epitaxial structure, optical mode engineering and reliability improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead end to end laser chip design activities, owning device architecture and reliability evaluation from concept to release.
• Drive innovation in semiconductor laser design through simulation, modelling, and data-driven optimization.
• Oversee experimental validation with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure scalable and manufacturable designs.
• Lead root cause analyses and implement corrective actions to improve device performance and yield.
• Perform electro-optical characterization and reliability assessments to ensure product quality and robustness.

Skills

Semiconductor laser design

Edge-emitting laser optimization

Simulation and modelling

Data analysis and programming

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

Electro-optical characterization tools

Job description

Job Description

Coherent Corp. is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and material technologies used by customers worldwide across industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. With a broad global footprint and deep engineering capability, we combine advanced manufacturing, applied innovation, and customer collaboration to deliver high-performance solutions that enable critical technologies and solve complex, real-world challenges.

About Coherent In Switzerland

Coherent Corp. Zurich is a key research and production hub specializing in advanced photonics, engineered materials, and high-power semiconductor laser technologies. Our teams develop and manufacture opto-electronic components and laser diodes for industrial, optical data transmission, life science, and high-precision applications, combining strong in-house R&D with state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing in an engineering-led culture.

Location: Zurich, Switzerland (Onsite) | Employment Type: Permanent, full-time

Job Summary

In this newly created role, you will contribute as a Semiconductor Laser Diode Engineer, strengthening our team with your expertise in next-generation telecommunication technologies. You will design and optimize edge-emitting lasers and take responsibility for identifying solutions that deliver best-in-class performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.

What You Will Be Doing

• You will lead end to end laser chip design activities, taking ownership of device architecture, epitaxial structure definition, performance optimization, and reliability evaluation from concept through to release.
• You will drive innovation in advanced semiconductor laser design through simulation, modelling, and data driven optimization.
• You will oversee experimental validation in close collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are scalable, manufacturable, and robust.
• You will lead structured root cause analysis and failure investigations, implementing corrective actions to improve device performance, yield, and reliability.
• You will conduct electro optical characterization and reliability assessments to ensure product quality, robustness, and sustained performance.

About You

• You hold a PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• You have an expertise in semiconductor laser physics and telecom laser diode design, including epitaxial structure definition, optical mode engineering, and reliability improvement.
• You have a strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, design for manufacturability, yield optimization, and process integration.
• You have hands on experience with electro optical characterization and reliability assessment.
• You are proficient in advanced simulation and modelling tools across optical, electrical, and thermal domains.
• You are comfortable using statistical analysis tools and programming for data evaluation and automation.
• You have demonstrated experience leading technical projects and working across cross functional teams.
• You take a structured, data driven approach to problem solving and root cause analysis.
• You communicate effectively and work well with a range of technical stakeholders.
• You are fluent in English. German language skills would be beneficial.

Application Process

• Applications for this role close on Monday, 7 September 2026.
• If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to [e-mail]. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!