Lead Epi Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Fremont, California, is seeking a skilled professional for epitaxial design growth. The role involves collaboration with various teams to enhance existing workflows and ensure compliance with production processes.

The ideal candidate will hold a M.S. in a relevant field and have a minimum of five years of experience in semiconductor processing. Candidates must also possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience with MOCVD crystal growth of GaAs/InP-based materials or compound semiconductor processing preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Interact with Design & Product teams for new epitaxial designs growth developments.
• Explore process variants for capacity, yield, and cost improvements.
• Ensure compliance and minimize production process variation.
• Present development results to senior management and teams.

Skills

Experience with standard epitaxial characterization tools such as XRD, ECV, PL, reflectance.

Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.

Familiarity with SPC, Gage, DOE, manufacturing data analysis; JMP experience a plus.

Education

M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields

Job description

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology: The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths optimal for long‑distance transmission through fiber optics, enabling 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), tunable lasers, 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, providing our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost‑competitive laser devices for 800 G and next‑gen 1.6 T datacom transceiver designs. Our world‑class InP technology platform has more than one hundred million lasers deployed over the last decades.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Interaction with Design & Product teams to plan and execute growth developments for new epitaxial designs.
• Explore process variants to improve existing growth workflows, focusing on capacity, yield, throughput, and cost.
• Ensure compliance and minimize causes of variation in production processes and outputs.
• Present development results to senior management and interdisciplinary teams.

Education & Experience

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of experience with MOCVD crystal growth of GaAs/InP‑based materials and/or compound semiconductor processing preferred but not essential.

Skills

• Experience with standard epitaxial characterization tools such as XRD, ECV, PL, reflectance.
• Ability to work in a small group and take initiative.
• Familiarity with SPC, Gage, DOE, manufacturing 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 function in a fast‑paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Work mainly in an office environment using computer applications.
• Regular interaction with manufacturing and production environments is required.
• Ability to work in cleanroom/Fab environments, complying with full gowning and safety requirements.
• May be required to access warehouse, laboratory, and production areas to support operational activities and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to move between office and manufacturing environments while adhering to 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 executing and maintaining ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, and/or other applicable standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

• 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].