Product Development Engineer – Pump Lasers

Coherent Corp.; Paignton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a motivated Product Development Engineer in Paignton, UK. The role involves developing high-performance pump lasers, supporting product lifecycle stages, and collaborating with engineering teams. Candidates should have a relevant degree and strong analytical skills, and familiarity with data analysis tools. Join a company that values integrity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive career development

Competitive compensation program

Qualifications

• Familiarity with optoelectronic devices, semiconductor physics, or laser technology.
• Understanding of experimental methods and data analysis.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to support product development activities.
• Define and document product specifications.
• Coordinate verification and qualification testing.

Skills

Problem-solving mindset

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Interest in product development

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science

Tools

Excel

JMP

Solidworks

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Product Development Engineer to join our team focused on the development of high-performance pump lasers for optical amplifiers. The successful candidate will support various stages of the product development lifecycle, from design and testing through qualification and subsequent support to remote manufacturing sites.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design, process, and packaging engineers to support product development activities within defined product area.
• Define and document product specifications in collaboration with product management and senior engineers.
• Support chip and device characterisation.
• Analyse data to understand and optimise product performance against specification.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, gate reviews and project status updates.
• Coordinate verification and qualification testing, including data collection and documentation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities with remote manufacturing teams, under the guidance of senior engineers.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• Familiarity with optoelectronic devices, semiconductor physics, or laser technology through coursework, research, or internships.
• Understanding of experimental methods, data analysis and reporting.
• Experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, or equivalent.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and eagerness to develop practical industry experience.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with a willingness to collaborate across global teams.
• An interest in product development and manufacturing of photonic or optoelectronic devices.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Ability to atomate testing using Python.
• Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Solidworks.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrated problem solving and work prioritisation skills.
• Ability to keep up to date with technology and apply to business strategic plan.
• Ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with end-users, management, and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities involving internal customer requests and demands.
• Ability to excel in a cross-organisational, cross cultural, global team environment.
• Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, and competency.

Working Conditions

Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Scotland EHS standards.

Quality & 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.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

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

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!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.