Member of Technical Staff

Coherent; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent is seeking a senior optical engineering leader to drive OCS products from R&D through NPI in a hybrid Sunnyvale environment. You will shape validation, improve electro-optical performance, and guide cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure successful design reviews and production ramps.

The role requires 15+ years in optical communications or photonic systems, with strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and a track record in system-level architecture

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 15+ years of experience in optical communications, photonic systems, or related technical leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in system-level optical architecture, validation, qualification, manufacturing scale-up, and cross-functional technical execution.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for OCS products from R&D to NPI.
• Drive validation and characterization strategy for OCS subsystems and assemblies, including electro-optical performance improvement, cost deduction, manufacturability and reliability.
• Support test development, automation, and data analysis to improve coverage, repeatability, throughput, and insight into technical issues.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex issues across optics, electronics, mechanics, packaging, thermal behavior, and software interfaces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to support design reviews, qualification, NPI, and production ramp activities.
• Serve as a senior technical interface for internal stakeholders and external partners, translating system needs into actionable technical recommendations and execution plans.

Education

Master's or PhD in Applied Physics / Optical Engineering / Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Power meters

Optical spectrum analyzers

Polarization controllers

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for OCS products from R&D to NPI.
• Drive validation and characterization strategy for OCS subsystems and assemblies, including electro-optical performance improvement, cost deduction, manufacturability and reliability.
• Support test development, automation, and data analysis to improve coverage, repeatability, throughput, and insight into technical issues.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex issues across optics, electronics, mechanics, packaging, thermal behavior, and software interfaces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to support design reviews, qualification, NPI, and production ramp activities.
• Serve as a senior technical interface for internal stakeholders and external partners, translating system needs into actionable technical recommendations and execution plans.

Education & Experience

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 15+ years of experience in optical communications, photonic systems, or related technical leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in system-level optical architecture, validation, qualification, manufacturing scale-up, and cross-functional technical execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills with the ability to influence decisions across multiple organizations.

Skills

• Deep technical expertise in optical circuit switching, optical communications, fiber-optic systems, and optical packaging.
• Strong understanding of insertion loss, crosstalk, switching behavior, calibration, and measurement uncertainty.
• Experience with optical test equipment and measurement tools such as power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, polarization controllers, and related lab instrumentation.
• Familiarity with automation and data analysis tools, including Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
• Hands-on ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems, interpret test data, and drive root cause analysis to closure.
• Effective cross-functional communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work across R&D, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and suppliers.
• Strong mentoring and technical influence skills, with the ability to guide engineers and raise the technical bar across the organization.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid
• 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 business 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 20 pounds for administrative 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

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

• I ntegrity - Create an Environment of Trust
• C ollaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• A ccountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
• R espect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
• E nthusiasm - 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] .