Optical Design Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Saxonburg (PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking an Optical Engineer to design, build, and verify fiber‑optic systems and to run comprehensive verification tests (OTDR, OPS, OSA) for advanced products.

You will optimize designs to reduce cost and improve yield, while coordinating with suppliers and cross‑functional teams. The role requires a Master’s degree in Optics/Physics/Materials and hands‑on problem solving, with strong data analysis in Excel/Python and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Material Science or equivalent.
• Experience designing, diagnosing, and implementing fiber optical systems.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Ability to work independently or in a team to achieve results.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Data analysis skills in Excel, Python, or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Optical Design-60%: build bench-top prototype systems and verify optical performance.
• Conduct optical design and verification for OTDR, OPS, OSA and other fiber‑optic devices.
• Run optical verification testing to assess product feasibility and performance including margining.
• Optimize optical designs to reduce cost, improve performance, simplify processes, and improve yield.
• Interact with suppliers on optical component specs and sample procurement.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to define product performance specs.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing.
• Troubleshoot optical performance issues across product development stages.

Skills

Optical designs

Fiber‑optic components

OTDR testing

Python

Excel data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Optics/Physics/Materials

Tools

OTDR equipment

Python

Job description

Job Description

• Build bench-top prototype systems and verify optical performance.
• Conduct optical design and verification for OTDR, OPS, OSA and other fiber-optic devices.
• Run optical verification testing to assess product feasibility and performance expectations including margining.
• Optimize optical designs of existing products to reduce product cost, improve performance, simplify processes, and improve manufacturing yield.
• Interact with suppliers on optical component specifications and sample procurement.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to fully define product performance specs.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing.
• Product & Process Support and Troubleshooting -25%
• Troubleshoot and solve optical performance related issues in various product development phases.
• Recommend, devise, plan, and execute engineering studies and projects to solve problems discovered and/or as assigned.
• Determine, develop and implement new methods, technologies, and processes that improve performance, cost, or deliveries of existing products.
• Support the transfer of new products and processes to manufacturing.
• Generate innovative technical ideas and contribute to the Intellectual Property Portfolio.
• Explore new technologies for use in telecommunications and related industries.
• Keep abreast of and recommend new technologies with consideration of the applicability and viability to WSS markets.
• Special Assignments-5%
• Support special projects as required.
• Report on projects and make recommendations to upper Management.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Optical Design-60%
• Build bench-top prototype systems and verify optical performance.
• Conduct optical design and verification for OTDR, OPS, OSA and other fiber-optic devices.
• Run optical verification testing to assess product feasibility and performance expectations including margining.
• Optimize optical designs of existing products to reduce product cost, improve performance, simplify processes, and improve manufacturing yield.
• Interact with suppliers on optical component specifications and sample procurement.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to fully define product performance specs.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing.
• Product & Process Support and Troubleshooting -25%
• Troubleshoot and solve optical performance related issues in various product development phases.
• Recommend, devise, plan, and execute engineering studies and projects to solve problems discovered and/or as assigned.
• Determine, develop and implement new methods, technologies, and processes that improve performance, cost, or deliveries of existing products.
• Support the transfer of new products and processes to manufacturing.
• New Technology Development-10%
• Generate innovative technical ideas and contribute to the Intellectual Property Portfolio.
• Explore new technologies for use in telecommunications and related industries.
• Keep abreast of and recommend new technologies with consideration of the applicability and viability to WSS markets.
• Special Assignments-5%
• Support special projects as required.
• Report on projects and make recommendations to upper Management.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Material Science or equivalent
• Experience with designing, diagnosing, and implementing fiber optical systems
• Hands‑on experience in troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently and/or with a team
• Ability to recommend and implement product improvements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Data analysis skills in Excel, Python, or other tool or choice

Skills

• Working knowledge of optical systems, fiber‑optic components, devices, and associated hardware
• Expertise with OTDR or other optical metrology systems is a plus.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with optical design and testing
• Leadership and the ability to work highly independently with minimal guidance from supervisor on specific tasks.
• Creative, analytical and structured problem‑solving capabilities
• Able to work and deliver on aggressive schedule.
• Self‑starter, highly motivated, dedicated and teamwork oriented
• Ability to write basic scripts for modelling and data analysis
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency
• Ability to excel in a cross‑organizational, cross cultural, global team environment.
• Works will require the support reoccurring meetings with China and/or India in the early evening

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 site Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) procedures and Coherent 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!