R&D Prototype Engineer

Socket.dev; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking an engineering prototyping specialist to work with the R&D team on advanced ceramic and metal matrix composites. You will input design, program equipment, operate machinery, assemble and inspect prototypes on site.

You will help develop production methods for ceramic-based materials, track processes, generate PC-based outputs, and support lean and ISO improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on, on-site role with strong collaboration with vendors and customers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of advanced materials and processing (ceramics, metal matrix composites)
• Experience with CAD/CAM/CMM tools for prototyping
• Ability to interface with vendors and customers
• Willingness to work on-site in prototype fabrication environment

Responsibilities

• Prototyping with advanced composite materials: design input, programming, operation, assembly and inspection
• Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composites
• Detailed process and product tracking
• Program equipment in the assigned area (MasterCAM, PC‑DIMS, Calypso, Creo, SolidWorks)
• Generate PC-based outputs on platforms (Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, SolidWorks)
• Operate and program thermal processing equipment (HMI, PLC, Watlow, AB)
• Lead Lean/Kaizen, ISO, 8D improvements
• Interface with customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors and test labs
• Transfer products to Manufacturing: write documentation and train staff

Skills

Advanced materials

Machining methods

CAD/CAM/CMM

Vendor/customer interfacing

Education

BS in Engineering or Science (new grad)

AAS in Engineering or Science (relevant experience)

Tools

MasterCAM

PC‑DIMS

Calypso

Creo

SolidWorks

Surfcam/GibbsCam

Job description

Summary

Collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop, fabricate and ship prototypes from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Continuously improves existing methods in the assigned area of responsibility potentially including materials processing (mixing, furnacing, casting, etc.), ceramic preform green machining, finish machining (grinding, EDM, CNC), lapping, laser marking, assembly and metrology. Provides design for manufacturability input for new products and initiates feedback for running product improvements. Interfaces with vendors (tooling, fixtures, test labs, toll machining, , etc.) and customers. Executes prototype manufacturing plan including equipment programming tasks. Transfers new processes and methods to operations, including writing standard work, training manufacturing personnel, specifying equipment and monitoring results. Participates in Lean, Six-sigma, Kaizen, FMEA, 6S, and yield enhancement activities

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, assembly and inspection
• Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composite materials
• Detailed process and product tracking
• Perform equipment programming in the assigned area of responsibility (MasterCAM, PC-DIMS, Calyspo, MX, others)
• Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, Solidworks, others)
• Operate and program thermal processing equipment and controls (HMI, PLC, PC-based, Watlow, Allen Bradley, others)
• Continuous improvement via participation in Lean/Kaizen, ISO, 8D and other related activities
• Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)
• Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation and conducting training

Education

• BS in Engineering or Science (new grad)
• AAS in Engineering or Science with relevant experience in materials processing, manufacturing, machining, CNC programming or prototyping

Skills

• Knowledge of advanced materials and processing (ceramics, metal matrix composites, other)
• Knowledge of machining methods, including milling, turning, diamond grinding, EDM, laser and other
• Experience with design software, e.g., CAD (ProE/Creo, SolidWorks, other), CAM (MasterCam, SurfCam, GibbsCam, other), and CMM (PC-DIMS, Calyspo)
• Aptitude for external interfacing with both vendors and customers

Working Conditions

• Position requires on-site activities for prototype fabrication (this is not a work from home position).
• Work schedule is 5 days, 40 hrs per week, first shift.

Physical Requirements

• Required to frequently lift/push/pull a minimum of 35 lbs
• Must be able to sit, bend, squat and walk about facility
• Depending on project assignment, may be required to walk/stand for entire 8 hour day

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities. Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance. 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.

CultureCommitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

• Iintegrity – 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].

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!