Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

COHERENT; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking an experienced Optical Coating Process Engineer to lead reactive magnetron sputtering efforts, optimize thin film growth, and support manufacturing decisions through advanced data analysis.

You will work with engineers to improve processes, develop new tools, and ensure high yields and on-time delivery in a fast-paced production environment at our Santa Rosa, CA facility.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics or related field.
• 5 years of professional optical coating process engineering in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth.
• Support decision-making with automated chamber operation knowledge and data analysis.
• Maintain and optimize tools to maximize run yields and minimize downtime.
• Develop new tools and processes for manufacturing new products and integrate them into manufacturing systems.
• Interact with Manufacturing to optimize product flow, throughput and on-time delivery.

Skills

Reactive sputter deposition

Thin film design theory

Statistical analysis

Process improvement

Optical thin film metrology

Matlab/Visual Basic/LabVIEW/Python

General computer skills

TFCALC experience

Education

BS in Engineering/Physics

5+ years optical coating process engineering

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers

Agility HMI automation

Process control interfaces

Process control setup

Laser monitoring

MES & database interface

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth processes sufficient to understand their effects on optical, structural and mechanical properties of multilayer thin films.

• Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers, Agility HMI automation, process control interfaces, process control setup, laser monitoring, Manufacturing execution system and database interface.

• Have in depth knowledge and experience with vacuum equipment including, pumps, valves, feedthroughs, Mass flow valves, pressure gauges, magnetron cathodes, heaters and heat control systems.

• Understand Optical thin-film design theory and how to use Optical thin-film design codes for characterizing manufacturing errors. Working knowledge of basic design building blocks, effective indices and the various applications of symmetric design components.

• Analytical knowledge of automated Optical monitoring systems used for accurate layer thickness control of coatings with as many as 400 layers and synchronous control of deposition process.

• Ability to interpret and analyze data from radiometric fiber optic measurement system utilizing grin lenses and tunable laser sources.

• Working together with engineers in a team environment where project actions are interdependent upon multiple team members where shared ideas may be accepted or challenged in an effort to achieve the best outcome for all.

• Responsible for daily decisions on process, product and equipment problems and their impact on production costs and on-time delivery commitments.

• Develop new tools and processes for manufacturing new products and integrate them into the manufacturing systems.

• Interact closely with the Manufacturing team to monitor and clarify procedures.

• Support Planning and Manufacturing to optimize product flow, throughput and on-time delivery goals.

• Perform continuous process improvement and development of tools to assist engineering and manufacturing in evaluation of processes, diagnosis of equipment failures, product and business. Support decisions using measurable statistics.

• Maintain and optimize predictive tools to maximize run yields and minimize downtime.

• Perform product qualifications for new products or for specified process changes

• Write or modify work instructions for tasks associated with coating processes, measurement instrumentation and software tool utilized by technicians.

• Participate in major development efforts driven by Management and work together with Senior engineers to identify how to best support the effort

• Communicate well with outside vendors and customers, fostering good working relationships.

Education & Experience

• BS degree or higher in Engineering, Physics or related field

• 5 years of professional optical coating process engineering in manufacturing.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships

• In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.

• General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.

• Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement

• General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filters

• Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python codes for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in one of these languages.

• Have proficient general computer skills. Some examples are; experience with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel, power point etc.

• Experience TFCALC preferred.

Working Conditions

• Shift and 'on-call' work may be required, particularly where manufacturing/production equipment is in continual 24-hour operation.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift and move up to 25lbs without assistances

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 espect – 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].

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!