Manufacturing Engineer

Coherent Corp.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in San Francisco, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, document, and optimize production processes and SOPs on site.

You will design floor layouts, support new product introductions, and drive continuous improvement across the plant. You will analyze production data to identify defects, downtime, waste, and opportunities for improvement, leading Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to increase yield and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, production engineering, or a related role.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production equipment, quality systems, and engineering principles.
• Experience with problem-solving tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, FMEA, SPC, and process capability studies.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, communication, project-management, and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering or manufacturing software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Design and improve production floor layouts, and manufacturing flow.
• Support new product introduction, pilot builds, process validation, and production ramp‑up.
• Analyze production data to identify defects, downtime, waste, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and root‑cause analysis.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with quality teams to establish process controls, inspection methods, and control plans.
• Support cost‑reduction, productivity, capacity and yield‑improvement projects.
• Assist operation manager to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow company policies to ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Train production personnel on new processes, equipment, and procedures.
• Maintain production documents and records such as production quantities, downtime, pass/fail status, and material usage.
• Write Pilot‑production control program per PM’s requirements
• Assist with daily production and operational activities such as packaging, labeling, inspection, and material handling.
• Assist with inventory counts and material movement.
• Perform other production or operational duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

5S

Kaizen

Root-cause analysis

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Fluent English

Safety and quality focus

Fast-paced production environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

ERP/MRP systems

Manufacturing execution systems (MES)

Job description

• Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Design and improve production floor layouts, and manufacturing flow.
• Support new product introduction, pilot builds, process validation, and production ramp-up.
• Analyze production data to identify defects, downtime, waste, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and root‑cause analysis.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with quality teams to establish process controls, inspection methods, and control plans.
• Support cost‑reduction, productivity, capacity and yield‑improvement projects.
• Assist operation manager to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow company policies to e nsure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Train production personnel on new processes, equipment, and procedures.
• Maintain production documents and records such as production quantities, downtime, pass/fail status, and material usage.
• Assist with daily production and operational activities such as packaging, labeling, inspection, and material handling.
• Assist with inventory counts and material movement.
• Perform other production or operational duties as assigned.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Design and improve production floor layouts, and manufacturing flow.
• Support new product introduction, pilot builds, process validation, and production ramp-up.
• Analyze production data to identify defects, downtime, waste, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and root‑cause analysis.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with quality teams to establish process controls, inspection methods, and control plans.
• Support cost‑reduction, productivity, capacity and yield‑improvement projects.
• Assist operation manager to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow company policies to e nsure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Train production personnel on new processes, equipment, and procedures.
• Maintain production documents and records such as production quantities, downtime, pass/fail status, and material usage.
• Write Pilot‑production control program per PM’s requirements
• Assist with daily production and operational activities such as packaging, labeling, inspection, and material handling.
• Assist with inventory counts and material movement.
• Perform other production or operational duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, production engineering, or a related role.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production equipment, quality systems, and engineering principles.
• Experience with problem‑solving tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, FMEA, SPC, and process capability studies.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, communication, project‑management, and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering or manufacturing software.

Skills

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with CAD software, ERP/MRP systems, or manufacturing execution systems.
• Experience supporting ISO 9001or other applicable standards.
• Fluent in English
• Proficient in Excel and other yield data analysis tool
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Technical problem-solving capability
• Data analysis and decision-making
• Project management
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Safety and quality focus
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced production environment

Working Conditions

• This position is on site.
• May require occasional off‑site meetings or travel
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs

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 50 pounds for production tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

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

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!