Principal NPI Engineer

COHERENT; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Sunnyvale, CA, is seeking an experienced optical engineer to support NPI lifecycles for OCS products, ensuring DFM/DFA and reliability across development and ramp stages.

The role emphasizes leading prototype assembly, optimizing processes, and providing engineering support during early production ramps, with strong PhD-level optics expertise and hands-on assembly and testing skills.

Qualifications

• PhD with 1+ year experience in fiber optics, optical modules, or optical switching systems is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fiber optic components and optical systems.
• Hands-on experience with precision optical assembly and alignment processes.
• Experience with optical testing and characterization tools.
• Knowledge of optical packaging, adhesive bonding, UV curing, and environmental sealing.
• Experience supporting NPI builds and transition from development to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support NPI lifecycle for OCS products, including engineering builds, design verification, qualification, and manufacturing ramp.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure DFM, DFA, and reliability requirements are incorporated into product development.
• Coordinate engineering builds and support prototype assembly, debug, and validation activities.
• Develop and optimize assembly processes with work instructions, and process documentation for manufacturing.
• Provide engineering support to manufacturing during early production ramp.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for process capability, product quality, and production efficiency.

Skills

Fiber optic components

Optical alignment

Precision optical assembly

Optical testing tools

Data analysis & reporting

Education

PhD in fiber optics / optical communications

Tools

Optical testing instruments

UV curing equipment

Adhesive bonding equipment

Data analysis tools

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Support NPI lifecycle for OCS products, including engineering builds, design verification, qualification, and manufacturing ramp.

• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and reliability requirements are incorporated into product development.

• Coordinate engineering builds and support prototype assembly, debug, and validation activities.

• Develop and optimize assembly processes with work instructions, and process documentation for manufacturing.

• Provide engineering support to manufacturing during early production ramp.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for process capability, product quality, and production efficiency.

Education & Experience

• PhD with 1+ year experience in fiber optics, optical modules, or optical switching systems is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong understanding of fiber optic components and optical systems, including fiber arrays, collimators, optical alignment, and optical coupling.

• Hands-on experience with precision optical assembly and alignment processes.

• Experience with optical testing and characterization tools

• Knowledge of optical packaging, adhesive bonding, UV curing, and environmental sealing.

• Experience supporting NPI builds and transition from development to manufacturing.

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced development environment.

• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

• Proficient with data analysis and reporting tools

Working Conditions

• 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

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

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].

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!

Job Identification: 2011539

Degree Level: Doctorate Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $114,375 - $195,875 per year