Lead Epi Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is at the forefront of InP technology, focusing on the production of GaAs/InP-based optoelectronic devices. This position emphasizes development, statistical analysis, and process control to support high-volume manufacturing and an R&D-oriented operation.

The engineer will collaborate with Design and Product teams to realize epitaxial growth improvements, analyze process variants, and ensure rigorous quality and efficiency in a fast-paced onsite environment.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Ch.E., ME Physics, EE, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience with MOCVD crystal growth of GaAs/InP-based materials.
• Experience with epitaxial characterization tools and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute growth developments for epitaxial designs.
• Explore process variants to improve capacity, yield, throughput, or costs.
• Ensure compliance and minimize variation in production processes.
• Present development results to senior management and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Epitaxial characterization tools

Initiative

SPC

DOE

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

M.S. in Ch.E., M.E. Physics, E.E., or related fields

Equivalent experience

Tools

XRD

ECV

PL

Reflectance

JMP

Job description

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology

The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry‑Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro‑absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high‑speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost‑competitive laser devices for their 800G and next‑gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs.

Our world‑class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.

The position involves implementation, development, and then subsequent continual process improvement activity surrounding the production of GaAs/InP‑based optoelectronic devices by MOCVD methods. Emphasis is placed on new product development, statistical analysis and process control functionality required to support high volume 24/7 manufacturing operation.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The position involves the implementation, development and then subsequent continual process improvement activity surrounding the production of InP‑based optoelectronic devices by MOCVD methods. Emphasis is placed on new product development, statistical analysis and process control functionality required to support a R&D and manufacturing operation. The engineer should assume flexibility in working hours to ensure full communication and process compliance in support of on‑shift‑based technical and operations‑based personnel.

• Interaction with Design & Product teams to plan and execute growth developments aimed at realizing newly conceived epitaxial designs and structures.
• Explore process variants aimed at providing improvement in existing growth workflows. Areas of improvement can be generically classified in terms of capacity, yield, throughput, and or costs.
• Ensure compliance and minimize causes of variation in currently defined production processes and outputs.
• Presentation of development results to senior management and/or interdisciplinary‑based teams.

Education & Experience

• M.S. in Ch.E., M.E. Physics, E.E., or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5 years experience with MOCVD crystal growth of GaAs/InP‑based materials and/or compound semiconductor processing is preferred but not essential.

Skills

• Prior experience with standard epitaxial characterization tools such as XRD, ECV, PL, and reflectance.
• Ability to work in a small group and take initiative.
• Familiarity with SPC, Gage, DOE, and other aspects of manufacturing and data analysis. JMP experience a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem‑solving skills.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on‑site, occasional travel to other Coherent sites possible
• 8‑hour weekday work schedule with occasional night or weekend support of production epi
• Must be able to function in a fast‑paced environment, carrying out multiple projects at a time.
• Work primarily in an office environment using computer‑based applications and systems.
• Regularly interact with manufacturing and production environments as business needs require.
• Ability to work in cleanroom/Fab environments, including compliance with full gowning and safety requirements.
• May be required to access warehouse, laboratory, and production areas to support operational activities, projects, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to move between office and manufacturing environments while adhering to all applicable safety and operational procedures.

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.

Safety Requirements

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.

Culture Commitment

Ensure 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

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

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!