Sr. R&D Machining Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Newark (AR); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Newark, AR is seeking a hands-on R&D Machining Engineer to lead prototype development and interface with customers and suppliers.

You will design with CAD/CAM, program CMMs, and drive manufacturing transfers for advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite products. The role requires 3+ years of engineering experience, strong leadership, and the ability to execute multi-faceted prototyping projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of experience, or BS with 5+ years.
• Certifications in CAM, CAD, GD&T, ISO, Black Belt, CMM, Lean/Kaizen are a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead machining related functions for R&D, including CAD, CAM, CMM programming, and others.
• Machining prototypes from advanced composite materials (milling, grinding, EDM, lapping).
• Program equipment in area using MasterCAM, PC-DIMS, Calyspo, MX, and related tools.
• Generate PC-based outputs on platforms like Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, SolidWorks.
• Participate in prototyping with design, scheduling and customer/supplier interfaces.
• Interface with customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors and test labs.
• Engage in Lean/Kaizen events to improve efficiency and quality.
• Transfer successful products to Manufacturing with documentation and training.

Skills

CAD (Solidworks/Creo)

CAM (Mastercam)

FEA

GD&T

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

PC-DIMS

Calyspo

MX

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Summary

Carry out a broad range of R&D machining engineering duties, including new product prototyping, computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), finite element analysis (FEA), machining of prototypes (milling, grinding, EDM, lapping, other), supplier interface, customer interface and project management. Collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to manufacture new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Lead lower level employees, including direct supervision, setting and reviewing performance goals, personnel development and hiring. Assist with expansion activities, including specifying new equipment, conducting trials on new equipment, capital justifications, procedure writing and transfer of successful products to manufacturing. All results will be documented (data summaries, Work Instructions, reports) and successful new products will be transferred to manufacturing (specifying equipment, training personnel, monitoring results).

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead machining related functions for R&D, including CAD, CAM, CMM programming, other
• Machining (milling, grinding, EDM, lapping, other) of prototypes manufactured from advanced composite materials
• 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)
• Participate in prototyping activities in line with 5-year plan, including design, planning and scheduling, documentation, customer interface, supplier interface, and hands‑on activities
• Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)
• Participate in Lean/Kaizen events with goals of increasing efficiency, enhancing quality and improving output
• Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation, specifying equipment, conducting training, and monitoring results

Education & Experience

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields with 3+ years of experience or BS in same fields with 5+ years of experience.
• Relevant certifications a strong plus, such as CAM, CAD, GD&T, ISO, Black Belt, CMM, Lean/Kaizen, others

Skills

• Strong background with CAM (MasterCam), CAD (Solidworks/Creo), finite element analysis (FEA) and EC software
• Experience with machining environment, including milling, grinding, turning, lapping, EDM and other
• Experience with GD&T and inspection equipment, hand tools, visual tools, etc.
• Working knowledge of machining advanced materials (ceramics, composites, other)
• Demonstrated ability to lead team of engineers and technicians
• Hands on and very direct approach to problem solving
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with networked PC based computer system (MS Office, spreadsheets, data bases, graphics, Email, etc.)

Working Conditions

This is an on site role. Position requires on‑site shopfloor activities for prototype fabrication.

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 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.:

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].

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.