Technician-Material Process Developer

Coherent Corp.; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking an experienced Optical Polishing Technician in the United States (PA) to perform precision finishing of optical materials and operate advanced metrology tools.

You will support development and process improvements while collaborating with engineers and senior technicians. You will work with Zygo and NewView interferometers, Fanuc robotics, and CMM systems to ensure surfaces meet stringent specifications and documentation is accurate.

Qualifications

• High school graduate, minimum.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in advanced metrology and precision material finishing.
• Experience with optical metrology and measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with optical fabrication and tolerance inspection.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision polishing and finishing of optical components to meet surface quality and dimensional requirements.
• Operate and maintain polishing equipment, tooling, and fixtures used in optical fabrication.
• Assist in documenting polishing procedures and process improvements under supervision.
• Operate metrology equipment (Zygo/NewView) to inspect optical surfaces.
• Collect and report measurement data to support engineering development.
• Support robotic polishing operations with Fanuc systems and automated software.
• Assist with setup and maintenance of tooling and fixtures for polishing and automation.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians on R&D projects and process improvements.
• Operate CMM equipment to perform dimensional inspections and develop basic measurement programs.
• Utilize measurement systems to perform dimensional and surface inspections for product development.

Skills

Optical polishing

Metrology

Robotic automation

CMM programming

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Zygo interferometer

NewView interferometer

Fanuc robots

CMM system

Job description

Job Description

Shift: Mon - Fri, varying start and end times between 7 am and 6 pm.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform precision polishing and finishing of optical and advanced materials to meet established surface quality and dimensional requirements.
• Operate and maintain polishing equipment, tooling, and fixtures used in optical fabrication processes.
• Assist in developing and documenting polishing procedures and process improvements under the direction of senior personnel.
• Operate metrology equipment, including Zygo interferometers and NewView white light interferometers, to inspect and verify optical surfaces.
• Collect, document, and report measurement and process data to support engineering and development activities.
• Support robotic polishing operations, including the operation of Fanuc robotic systems, custom polishing equipment, and automated process generation software.
• Assist with the setup, maintenance, and modification of tooling, fixtures, and equipment used in polishing and automation applications.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and senior opticians to support R&D projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Operate Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) equipment to perform critical dimensional inspections and verification activities; develop and modify basic measurement programs, select appropriate probes, and analyze inspection results to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
• Utilize Keyence measurement and digital microscopy systems to perform dimensional, surface, and feature inspections; configure measurement routines, analyze data, and document results to support product development, process validation, and quality requirements.

Education & Experience

• High school graduate, minimum.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in advanced metrology and precision material finishing.

Competencies

• Understanding of optical and precision polishing and fabrication processes.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and technical specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Knowledge

• Basic knowledge of optical materials and polishing processes.
• Familiarity with optical metrology and measurement techniques.
• Understanding of manufacturing drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Basic knowledge of robotic automation and automated manufacturing systems.

Technical Skills

• Skilled in operating polishing equipment and associated tooling.
• Ability to perform optical and precision measurements using metrology equipment.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to learn and utilize robotic and automated manufacturing systems.

Abilities

• Ability to produce optical and precision surfaces that meet established quality requirements.
• Ability to accurately follow process documentation and engineering instructions.
• Ability to learn new fabrication, metrology, and automation techniques.
• Ability to work effectively within a technical team environment.

Other Characteristics

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality optical and precision components that meet established specifications.
• Motivated to learn and able to perform technical assignments with guidance from senior team members as needed.
• Adaptable and willing to learn new materials, processes, equipment, and technologies in a research and development environment.
• Good organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to manage assigned tasks and maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrates care and pride in workmanship while producing high-quality optical and precision components.
• Persistence and a positive attitude when supporting process development, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving activities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in precision fabrication and metrology techniques.
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and research personnel.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a variety of environments, including research and development laboratories, optical fabrication areas, and inspection rooms.
• May be required to work in cleanroom environments while following applicable gowning, contamination control, and cleanliness procedures.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing and laboratory equipment, with nearby machinery and associated noise levels typical of optical fabrication operations.
• Frequent work in inspection and metrology areas where lighting conditions may be reduced or controlled to support precision optical measurements and evaluations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout laboratory, fabrication, and inspection areas for several hours per day.
• Ability to sit at workstations, polishing equipment, and metrology systems for several hours per day, depending on project and inspection requirements.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport materials, fixtures, tooling, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull carts, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring fine motor skills, dexterity, and attention to detail.

Safety Requirements

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

• Safety glasses with side shields or other approved eye protection must be worn in designated laboratories, fabrication areas, and manufacturing areas.
• Latex or other approved protective gloves must be worn when handling optical components, chemicals, polishing compounds, cleaning agents, or other materials, as required.
• Face masks, bouffants (hair coverings), and lab coats must be worn in cleanroom and controlled‑environment areas in accordance with contamination control procedures.
• Approved laser safety eyewear must be worn when working with or in the vicinity of laser systems, as required by established laser safety protocols.

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!

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.