Principal Reliability and Quality Engineer (Optical Systems)

Coherent Corp.; Saxonburg (PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career development programs

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

A leading optical technology company is looking for a Reliability Engineer in Sunnyvale, California. The ideal candidate will lead reliability strategy development for new optical products, collaborate with engineering teams, and drive quality improvements. Applicants should have a B.S. or higher in a related field and at least 10 years of experience focusing on optical systems in a manufacturing environment. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to thrive in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in reliability and quality engineering focused on optical systems.
• Experience in supporting products through NPI and high‑volume manufacturing.
• Experience in fast‑paced or startup environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead reliability strategy development for new optical product platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify technical risks.
• Drive quality improvements and establish quality systems.
• Define and execute qualification and validation plans.
• Analyze reliability data to estimate performance and communicate findings.

Skills

Technical understanding of optical systems

Expertise in reliability statistics

Failure analysis techniques

Process improvement

Strong communication skills

Self-driven and adaptable

Education

B.S., M.S. or higher in relevant engineering field

Job description

Job Description

• Lead reliability strategy development for new optical product platforms, ensuring robust design and manufacturability from early architecture stages through production ramp.
• Collaborate closely with optical designers, mechanical engineers, process engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to identify technical risks and implement mitigation plans to prevent product failures.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and failure analysis activities, using physics‑of‑failure principles and structured problem‑solving techniques (8D, DMAIC, etc.).
• Drive quality improvements through process optimization, data‑driven decision‑making, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC).
• Establish and improve quality systems, procedures, and metrics suitable for a dynamic, startup‑oriented environment while maintaining compliance with corporate and industry standards.
• Define and execute comprehensive qualification and validation plans to ensure product robustness, lifetime performance, and compliance with internal and customer reliability requirements.
• Develop and implement reliability test methodologies, including accelerated life testing, environmental stress screening, HALT/HASS, and aging studies.
• Analyze reliability data using statistical methods to estimate lifetime performance, failure rates, and confidence levels; communicate findings to technical and executive stakeholders.
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate process capability, manufacturing readiness, and long‑term reliability risks.
• Support production ramp activities, ensuring scalability, yield improvement, and sustained reliability performance.

Education & Experience

• B.S., M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in reliability and quality engineering focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience supporting products through NPI and high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in fast‑paced or startup environments preferred.

Skills

• Strong technical understanding of optical systems including lasers, optical switching, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Expertise in reliability statistics, Weibull analysis, accelerated life testing, and physics‑of‑failure methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with failure analysis techniques such as cross‑sectioning, SEM, material analysis, and electrical/optical characterization.
• Proven track record in process improvement, yield enhancement, and implementation of quality management systems.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear, actionable recommendations for cross‑functional teams and leadership.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams and suppliers.
• Self‑driven, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with regular interaction in laboratory and manufacturing settings.
• Occasional domestic and international travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites may be required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including extended periods of sitting, standing, and use of standard lab equipment.

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 ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards.

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].

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 unless we have a signed agreement and required assistance in writing for a specific opening.