Principal Quality Engineer-Optical Systems

COHERENT; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

COHERENT is seeking a senior quality engineering leader for our optical systems division in Sunnyvale, CA. You will partner with optical design, mechanical, manufacturing, and suppliers to embed quality into product development and ramp activities.

Responsibilities include leading root-cause analyses (8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, 5-Why), driving CAPA closure, and developing comprehensive quality and inspection plans to reduce variation and ensure ISO-aligned processes.

Qualifications

• M.S. or higher in Electrical, Optical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in quality engineering with optical systems or photonics.
• Experience supporting NPI and high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Startup or fast-paced environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure quality in product and process development.
• Lead structured root-cause investigations (8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, 5-Why).
• Drive CAPA closure and validate effectiveness with data-based methods.
• Develop quality plans, control plans, and inspection strategies.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve process capability and quality.
• Support NPI, production ramp, and manufacturing scalability.

Skills

Quality engineering leadership

Optical systems expertise

Root cause analysis

Audit & compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Education

M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams including optical design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, process engineering, and suppliers to ensure quality is built into product and process development.
• Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, and 5-Why to resolve internal and customer-facing quality issues.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure and verify effectiveness through data-based validation and follow-up.
• Develop and maintain quality plans, control plans, inspection strategies, and process documentation for optical systems and assemblies.
• Implement and monitor yield metrics, and other quality indicators to reduce variation and improve product performance.
• Conduct and support internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other applicable quality management standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate process capability, manage nonconformances, and improve overall supply chain quality performance.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp activities, ensuring process readiness, risk mitigation, and manufacturing scalability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles within a technical manufacturing environment.
• Prepare and present quality performance reports, audit findings, and improvement plans to leadership and key stakeholders.

Education & Experience

M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in quality engineering focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience supporting products through NPI and high-volume technical manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments preferred.

Skills

• Strong technical understanding of optical systems including lasers, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Exceptional root cause investigation and failure analysis capabilities in complex technical manufacturing environments.
• Experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits within ISO-based quality management systems.
• Proven track record in process improvement, yield enhancement, and implementation of quality systems and controls.
• Hands-on experience working closely with manufacturing teams to resolve quality escapes and improve process robustness.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams and suppliers.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.

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

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccounability – 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: 2014055

Degree Level: Master's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $146,000 - $202,063 per year