Process Engineering Manager

Coherent Corp.; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Santa Rosa, CA seeks an experienced Process Engineering Leader to guide a multidisciplinary team responsible for coating, assembly, testing, and production processes.

You will drive process development, qualification, validation, and transfer to full-scale production, ensuring ISO alignment, safety, quality, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or equivalent).
• 15+ years of optical thin film manufacturing experience.
• 10+ years managing a team of engineers.
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and hardware.
• Experience with electrical and mechanical systems.
• Extensive electro-mechanical assembly and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong knowledge of optical engineering specs and drawings.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Email.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers with guidance and support for process engineering.
• Oversee design, development, and implementation of optical thin film processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, quality control to optimize processes.
• Stay updated on industry trends in optical thin film manufacturing and vacuum deposition.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain safe, environmentally conscious work environment.
• Mentor and develop team members for continuous learning and improvement.
• Analyze data to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.

Skills

People Leader

Team Leadership

Customer Focus

Strategic Direction

Change Leadership

Planning & Organizing

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Professional Knowledge & Skills

Results Oriented

Teamwork & Conflict

Education

BS in Engineering

Optical thin film manufacturing

Engineering team leadership

Vacuum deposition systems

Electrical & mechanical systems

Electro-mechanical assembly & troubleshooting

Optical engineering specs & drawings

Office software proficiency

Tools

CAD/CAM

Data analysis software

Job description

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Process Engineering Leadership and Manufacturing Support

• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and technical oversight to the Process Engineering team.
• Ensure manufacturing issues related to coating, assembly, testing, and production processes are promptly identified, investigated, and resolved to minimize disruption and maintain operational efficiency.
• Oversee the analysis and evaluation of manufacturing and test data to ensure product quality, process capability, and compliance with customer requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and support to Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and other cross-functional teams as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance, product quality, productivity, and cost competitiveness.

New Product and Process Development

• Lead the design, development, qualification, validation, and documentation of new products and manufacturing processes in accordance with ISO requirements and business objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of manufacturing equipment, tooling, and support systems that meet safety, quality, capability, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure process designs, specifications, and manufacturing methods are accurate, sustainable, and aligned with company engineering standards and best practices.
• Support successful transfer of new products and processes from development into full-scale production.

Engineering and Technology Advancement

• Direct engineering resources toward the development and implementation of innovative technologies that support business growth, operational excellence, and market leadership.
• Facilitate the effective transition of new technologies, products, and processes into commercial manufacturing operations.
• Support the protection and management of intellectual property, including the identification and safeguarding of trade secrets and proprietary technologies.
• Evaluate and implement engineering software, hardware, automation, and analytical tools that improve capabilities, reduce cycle times, and lower costs.

Quality, Compliance, and Documentation

• Ensure all products, processes, procedures, and documentation comply with applicable ISO standards, quality requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Promote and maintain the highest standards of quality, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and business performance.
• Ensure manufacturing and engineering activities support a safe work environment and comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, records, reports, and process metrics.

People Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead performance management activities, including goal setting, development planning, performance feedback, and annual performance reviews.
• Develop and execute training and skill-development plans to enhance employee capability, productivity, and succession readiness.
• Manage staffing activities, including recruitment, selection, promotion, coaching, corrective action, and employee relations matters, in a fair and consistent manner.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, technology control plans, export control requirements, intellectual property protections, information technology standards, and quality procedures.
• Serve as a role model for ethical conduct, professionalism, leadership, quality, customer focus, and business results.
• Build and maintain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports employee engagement and organizational success.

Education & Experience

• BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or equivalent).
• 15+ years’ experience in optical thin film manufacturing.
• 10+ years managing a team of engineers.
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware.
• Experience in electrical and mechanical systems.
• Extensive experience in electro-mechanical assembly and troubleshooting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering specifications and drawings.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Email, internet access and the ability to develop tools and/or special applications within these packages.

Skills & Other Requirements

• People Leader
• Building, Developing and Managing a Successful Team
• Customer Focus
• Establishing Strategic Direction
• Facilitating Change, Leadership
• Planning and Organizing
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making and Continuous Improvement,
• Professional and Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Results Oriented
• Teamwork and Conflict Management

Safety Requirements

Eployees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and COHERENT Corporate EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

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

• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient and effective process engineering practices.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of optical thin film manufacturing processes, ensuring they meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and quality control, to optimize processes and enhance overall operational efficiency.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in optical thin film manufacturing, vacuum deposition systems, and associated hardware.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies, maintaining a safe and environmentally conscious work environment.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify process inefficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve productivity and quality.
• Prepare and present process engineering reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively to meet production targets and timelines.

Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or equivalent) is required.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in optical thin film manufacturing is essential.
• 10+ years of experience managing a team of engineers, demonstrating strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware, with a proven track record of optimizing processes.
• Experience in electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to understand and interpret complex engineering specifications and drawings.
• Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering principles and practices, including design, fabrication, and testing.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify process bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for process engineering, such as CAD/CAM systems and data analysis software.
• A proactive and results-driven approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for innovation.

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!