Sr Crystal Growth Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Port Richey (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Port Richey, FL invites a Senior Crystal Growth Engineer to lead oxide crystal growth using the Czochralski technique, guiding development, optimization, and scale-up of growth processes and equipment for both development and production needs.

The role blends deep process expertise with leadership in design, documentation, and sourcing of crystal growth equipment, ensuring quality and manufacturability across projects.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in single-crystal oxide growth (CZ)
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
• Experience designing, selecting, or procuring growth equipment
• Familiarity with CZ furnace subsystems and growth fundamentals

Responsibilities

• Lead crystal growth process development for oxide CZ growth
• Develop and optimize growth recipes including melt chemistry and thermal gradients
• Drive continuous improvement in crystal quality, yield and reproducibility
• Provide technical leadership in equipment design, specification, and procurement
• Collaborate with vendors on furnaces, power supplies, and hot zone components

Skills

Crystal growth

Single-crystal growth

Documentation

Communication

Project leadership

Education

PhD / MS / BS in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

Engineering drawings

Vendor management

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Crystal Growth Engineer in our Port Richey Florida location, with strong experience in oxide crystal growth using the Czochralski technique to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of crystal growth processes and equipment. This role combines deep process expertise with leadership in the design, specification, documentation, and sourcing of new crystal growth equipment, supporting both development and production needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the crystal growth process development.
• Develop and optimize growth recipes including melt chemistry, thermal gradients, motion control, atmosphere control, and diameter control.
• Drive continuous improvement in crystal quality, yield, and reproducibility.
• Provide technical leadership in the design, specification, and procurement of new crystal growth equipment.
• Define raw material specifications (purity, morphology, trace impurities) and acceptance criteria.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, layouts, and tooling designs for CZ furnaces, hot zones, and related hardware.
• Author, review, and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and process documentation.
• Define equipment requirements, performance specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with vendors on the design and customization of furnaces, power supplies, and hot zone components.
• Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new crystal growth systems.
• Apply working knowledge of RF heating systems and alternative heating approaches appropriate for oxide CZ growth.
• Troubleshoot complex growth and equipment-related issues.
• Perform and interpret crystal characterization.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in single‑crystal growth with significant oxide Czochralski experience
• Experience supporting or leading crystal growth equipment design, selection, or procurement
• Experience creating engineering drawings and detailed work instructions
• Strong understanding of CZ furnace subsystems and crystal growth fundamentals
• Experience with crystal characterization
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience growing oxide crystals
• Familiarity with RF induction heating systems
• Experience scaling from R&D to pilot or production environments
• CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)
• Vendor management or capital equipment sourcing experience

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

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

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

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!