Sr. Principal Photonic Process Integration Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a PhD-level expert to lead cross‑functional engagements with silicon photonics and foundries. You will drive process development, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple partners, contributing to device performance and manufacturability.

The role requires extensive collaboration with design, reliability, and manufacturing teams, along with strong data analysis and CAPA execution capabilities. Hybrid work arrangement applies in this role.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between Coherent and external foundry partners.
• Coordinate and drive foundry engagements related to process development, process control, and technology qualification.
• Plan and participate in technical and quality audits of external foundries and manufacturing partners.
• Lead root-cause investigations and failure analysis with foundries and internal teams.
• Track, analyze, and resolve yield detractors through data analysis and CAPA.
• Collaborate with PIC design teams on DFM/DFY and process robustness improvements.
• Develop process characterization plans and monitor key process metrics across multiple foundry platforms.

Skills

Silicon photonics

Process integration

Yield analysis

Failure analysis

Python data analysis

Foundry engagement

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Materials Science

Tools

JMP

Job description

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between Coherent and external silicon photonics, silicon CMOS, and advanced packaging foundry partners.
• Coordinate and drive foundry engagements related to process development, process control, manufacturing readiness, and technology qualification.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in technical and quality audits of external foundry and manufacturing partners to assess process controls, quality systems, manufacturing readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and failure analysis activities in collaboration with foundries, internal reliability teams, and product engineering organizations.
• Track, analyze, and resolve wafer‑level, die‑level, and module‑level yield detractors through systematic data analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Partner with foundries to identify, prioritize, and execute Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) initiatives that improve device performance, yield, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with PIC design teams to identify process sensitivities and implement Design‑for‑Manufacturing (DFM), Design‑for‑Yield (DFY), and process robustness improvements.
• Develop process characterization plans and monitor key process metrics, process windows, and critical device parameters across multiple foundry platforms.
• Analyze fabrication, test, and reliability data to identify process trends, excursions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support new product introductions, technology transfers, process qualifications, and foundry migrations.
• Work closely with reliability, test engineering, and manufacturing teams to establish process control methodologies and monitor long‑term process stability.
• Participate in technical reviews with internal stakeholders and external foundry partners and communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) resulting from yield excursions, reliability concerns, or customer‑return investigations.
• Evaluate foundry process control methodologies, Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation, excursion management procedures, change control practices, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) systems.
• Review foundry process changes, engineering change notices (ECNs), process change notifications (PCNs), and technology updates to assess potential impacts on product performance, yield, reliability, and qualification status.
• Establish and maintain supplier performance metrics, including yield, defect density, process capability, cycle time, on‑time delivery, and quality indicators.
• Develop and maintain process integration documentation, manufacturing specifications, process control plans, and supplier quality requirements.

Education & Experience

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience working with semiconductor foundries, photonics process development.
• Strong understanding of photonics foundry and back‑end manufacturing processes.
• Experience in qualification of photonic foundry process and PIC products.
• Experience with advanced packaging.

Skills

• Strong understanding silicon photonics process integration and device manufacturing.
• Yield analysis, SPC, and JMP statistical data analysis.
• Failure analysis (FA), root‑cause investigation, and CAPA implementation.
• Python programming for data analysis, automation, and reporting.
• Foundry engagement, supplier quality management, and process audits.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid.
• May require occasional off‑site meetings or travel.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job.
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting 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.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

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

• 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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].