Principal Foundry Quality Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in the United States is seeking a senior quality/ reliability engineer to lead predictive quality methodologies, align PCM data with device designs, and partner with foundries on quality processes for silicon photonic PIC products.

The role emphasizes data-driven quality improvements, AI applications to foundry data, and participation in MRB, FMEA, and DfQnR reviews to ensure product reliability across wafer fabrication and assembly environments.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field.
• 5+ years of CMOS or Silicon Photonics foundry process technology development, foundry technology interface, or related fields and technology nodes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of predictive quality methodologies aligning PCM data with device designs, wafer-level test results, reliability, and factory yields.
• Partner with internal engineering teams and external wafer foundries to implement comprehensive foundry quality processes for Coherent Silicon Photonic PIC Products.
• Utilize quality metrics and KPIs from die testing and transceiver sites to derive predictive quality metrics and drive preventive measures.
• Participate in Materials Review Board to disposition discrepant material and document troubleshooting processes.
• Apply AI and big data techniques to analyze foundry quality data, predict trends, and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform quality and process audits of foundries to assess compliance to industry standards and reliability risk.
• Lead root cause investigations and collaborate to implement corrective actions and disposition materials through the CCB process.
• Participate in DfQnR reviews and FMEA.
• Support PIC qualification activities for new PIC products, foundry qualifications, and ongoing improvements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication skills

Influence diverse teams

Semiconductor device physics

Defect mechanism analysis

Data analysis tools

MS Office

Optical device manufacturing

Lasers

Modulators

Photodetectors

Optical switches

Co-packaged optics

Optical transceivers

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field

5+ years of CMOS or Silicon Photonics foundry experience

Job description

• Lead the development of predictive quality methodologies that align supplier PCM data with Coherent device designs, wafer-level test results, reliability performance, and factory yields. Identify yield and performance issues not detected by foundry PCM monitoring and partner with foundries to implement enhanced test structures, monitoring strategies, and process controls that improve correlation and early detection of manufacturing risks.
• Partner with internal engineering teams and external wafer foundries to develop and implement comprehensive foundry quality processes and procedures for Coherent Silicon Photonic PIC Products.
• Utilize Quality Metrics and KPIs from die testing and transceiver assembly/test sites to derive predictive quality metrics (e.g. defect density, yield, escapes, corrective action effectiveness) and drive preventive measures internally and from the PIC foundries.
• Participate in the Materials Review Board with factory quality and engineering partners to disposition discrepant material and document routine troubleshooting process flows for improved efficiency.
• Apply AI and big data techniques to analyze foundry quality data, predict trends, and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform quality and process audits of new and existing foundries to assess compliance to industry standards and assess product quality and reliability risk.
• Lead root cause investigations and collaborate with process integration, device engineering, reliability, and foundry teams to implement corrective actions, drive specification changes, resolve process issues, and manage material disposition through the CCB process.
• Participate in new product design for quality and reliability (DfQnR) reviews and Failure Mode Effects and Analysis (FMEA).
• Support PIC qualification activities for new PIC products, foundry qualifications, and ongoing improvements.

Job Description

• Lead the development of predictive quality methodologies that align supplier PCM data with Coherent device designs, wafer-level test results, reliability performance, and factory yields. Identify yield and performance issues not detected by foundry PCM monitoring and partner with foundries to implement enhanced test structures, monitoring strategies, and process controls that improve correlation and early detection of manufacturing risks.
• Partner with internal engineering teams and external wafer foundries to develop and implement comprehensive foundry quality processes and procedures for Coherent Silicon Photonic PIC Products.
• Utilize Quality Metrics and KPIs from die testing and transceiver assembly/test sites to derive predictive quality metrics (e.g. defect density, yield, escapes, corrective action effectiveness) and drive preventive measures internally and from the PIC foundries.
• Participate in the Materials Review Board with factory quality and engineering partners to disposition discrepant material and document routine troubleshooting process flows for improved efficiency.
• Apply AI and big data techniques to analyze foundry quality data, predict trends, and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform quality and process audits of new and existing foundries to assess compliance to industry standards and assess product quality and reliability risk.
• Lead root cause investigations and collaborate with process integration, device engineering, reliability, and foundry teams to implement corrective actions, drive specification changes, resolve process issues, and manage material disposition through the CCB process.
• Participate in new product design for quality and reliability (DfQnR) reviews and Failure Mode Effects and Analysis (FMEA).
• Support PIC qualification activities for new PIC products, foundry qualifications, and ongoing improvements.

Education & Experience

• BS/MS/PhD in Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field.
• 5+ years of experience in CMOS or Silicon Photonics foundry process technology development, foundry technology interface, or related fields and technology nodes.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
• Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp within the US and Asia counterparts.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Semiconductor Device Physics and Defect Mechanism analysis.
• Proficiency in analytical tools for data analysis and MS Office
• Familiarity with optical device manufacturing preferred, including:
• Lasers
• Modulators
• Photodetectors
• Optical switches
• Co-packaged optics
• Optical transceivers

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• 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 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!