Staff NPI Engineer (Laser, Photonics & Automation)

COHERENT; Wilsonville (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a highly technical Staff NPI Engineer to drive the transition of laser and photonic products from R&D to scalable manufacturing.

You will lead NPI execution, coordinate manufacturing readiness, and provide design-for-manufacturability feedback to engineering teams. Responsibilities include developing automated test/calibration systems, implementing motion control, and interfacing with MES/ERP systems to monitor yield and process performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in a related technical field as listed above.
• Strong hands-on experience with optical alignment and laser/test equipment.
• Experience developing automated test systems using the listed environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and transition new laser/photonics products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.
• Coordinate manufacturing readiness, line setup, and phase-gate transitions.
• Provide DFM feedback to engineering teams and diagnose manufacturing issues.

Skills

LabVIEW

Python

LabWindows/CVI

C# / .NET

Automation testing

DAQ/Instrumentation

VISA / GPIB

MES/ERP integration

Optics alignment

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Optics/Physics/EE/Mechatronics/Software Eng

Tools

LabVIEW

NI TestStand

LabWindows/CVI

Python

C# / .NET

PyDAQmx

VISA

Job description

Coherent’s Laser Systems and Measurement division designs and manufactures precision solid-state lasers, laser diode systems, multi-laser light engines, and calibrated laser measurement systems.

We are seeking a highly technical and hands‑on Staff NPI Engineer to lead the transition of new laser and photonic products from R&D to scalable, high-volume manufacturing and hand over to Production and Sustaining Engineering.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

NPI Project Execution

• Lead and support new product introductions from Design release through Pilot ramp.
• Coordinate manufacturing readiness, line setup, and ensure smooth phase-gate transitions.
• Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering teams.
• Diagnose and resolve product and manufacturing issues with structured corrective action.
• Estimate manufacturing costs, determine tooling, and process requirements of new product lines.
• Present regular project updates including metrics, schedules, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Proposing and justifying capital and expense expenditures necessary to provide new production capability.

Automation, Robotics & Motion Control

• Develop and deploy robust automated test and calibration systems for laser modules and measurement products in a production environment.
• Implement automation for laser characterization, optical alignment, calibration, burn‑in, and final test.
• Implement high‑precision motion control systems for optical alignment, calibration, and active alignment processes.
• Develop/support robotic pick-and-place systems for precision opto‑mechanical assembly.
• Interface with motion controllers, power meters, spectrometers, temperature controllers, vision systems, and DAQ hardware.
• Ensure automation solutions are robust, incorporate appropriate safety measures, and are self‑troubleshooting with efficient and intuitive user interface.
• Establish communication between test systems and MES/ERP/SQL databases.
• Implement automated data logging, analysis, and visualization to monitor yield and process performance.
• Ensure proper version control, documentation, and configuration management of automation software.

Automation platforms may include:

• LabVIEW / NI TestStand
• Python (PyVISA, PyDAQmx, instrument drivers, automation frameworks)
• LabWindows/CVI
• C# / .NET-based test frameworks
• Other industrial automation environments

Education & Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
• 6 years’ experience in NPI, product, manufacturing, or test engineering within lasers, optics, photonics, or related high‑tech industries.
• Strong hands‑on experience with optical alignment, opto‑mechanical assembly, and laser/photonics test equipment.
• Experience in automated optical alignment systems.
• Proven experience developing automated test systems using LabVIEW, Python, LabWindows/CVI, C#, or similar environments.
• Experience with instrument control via DAQ, VISA, GPIB, Ethernet, or serial interfaces.
• Experience integrating test systems with MES/ERP platforms.
• Experience transitioning products into high-mix and/or volume production.

Skills

• Strong structured problem‑solving and project execution skills.
• Strong understanding of how automation can be used to optimize KPIs in high‑tech manufacturing environments
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem‑solving skills.
• Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.

Working Conditions

• Normal Business Hours M-F
• On‑site

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 ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R respekt – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – 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].

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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!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

Job Identification: 2011361

Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $109,500 - $130,570 per year

LinkedIn: #LI-JF1