Senior Manager, Laser Development

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

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Fremont, CA is seeking a senior leader to drive the development of next-generation InP-based semiconductor laser products for data communications.

You will provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, and performance optimization, guiding programs from concept through qualification to production release. You will lead cross-functional teams across epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, reliability, and manufacturing; interface with strategic customers to

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor laser development.
• 5+ years of technical leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation InP-based semiconductor laser products for data communications.
• Provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, and performance optimization.
• Drive product development programs from concept through qualification and production release.
• Lead cross-functional development efforts involving epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing.
• Interface directly with customers to understand requirements, communicate technical progress, and influence product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with external partners, foundries, contractors, and suppliers to accelerate development activities.
• Mentor engineers and help develop future technical leaders within the organization.
• Support technology roadmap development, strategic planning, and technical decision-making.
• Drive execution of multiple development programs simultaneously while balancing technical risk, schedule, resources, and customer commitments.
• Depending on organizational needs, directly manage engineers and provide leadership in hiring, performance management, career development, and organizational growth.

Skills

Laser physics

DFB lasers

Device design

Leadership

Epitaxy

Wafer fabrication

Reliability

Modeling tools

Education

MS/PhD in EE/Physics/Materials Science

Tools

Ansys

Crosslight

FIMMWAVE

Lumerical

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development of next-generation InP-based semiconductor laser products for data communication applications.
• Provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, and performance optimization.
• Drive product development programs from concept through qualification and production release.
• Lead cross-functional development efforts involving epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing.
• Interface directly with customers to understand requirements, communicate technical progress, and influence product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with external partners, foundries, contractors, and suppliers to accelerate development activities.
• Mentor engineers and help develop future technical leaders within the organization.
• Support technology roadmap development, strategic planning, and technical decision-making.
• Drive execution of multiple development programs simultaneously while balancing technical risk, schedule, resources, and customer commitments.
• Depending on organizational needs, directly manage engineers and provide leadership in hiring, performance management, career development, and organizational growth.

Education & Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor laser development.
• 5+ years of technical leadership experience.

Skills

• Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics, including DFB lasers, waveguide design, optical confinement, grating design, and device performance optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop semiconductor laser products from concept through volume production.
• Strong understanding of the interactions between device design, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, reliability, and manufacturing.
• Experience with device modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Ansys, Crosslight, FIMMWAVE, Lumerical, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions in situations with incomplete information and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional development programs involving multiple engineering disciplines and sites.
• Ability to effectively mentor engineers and develop technical talent.
• Experience interacting directly with strategic customers and translating customer requirements into product specifications and development plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and executive audiences.
• Ability to balance long-term technology development with short-term business and customer needs.
• Demonstrated ownership, urgency, and execution in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Prior people‑management experience is desirable but not required. Candidates with exceptional technical leadership experience and demonstrated ability to develop engineers will also be considered.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel to other sites may be necessary.
• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in 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.

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 Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Equal Opportunity Employer

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].