Technician-Material Process Developer

COHERENT; Saxonburg (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent in Saxonburg, PA, is seeking an experienced technician to polish and finish optical materials, verify surfaces with precision metrology, and support automated polishing systems. The role emphasizes close collaboration with engineers and researchers in an R&D environment.

The candidate will operate Zygo/NewView interferometers, CMMs, and Fanuc robotics while documenting processes and improving procedures to meet strict specifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 4 years in advanced metrology and precision finishing.
• Experience with optical polishing and fabrication processes.
• Ability to follow detailed engineering instructions.

Responsibilities

• Polish and finish optical materials to required surface quality.
• Operate polishing equipment and fixtures.
• Document polishing procedures and improvements.
• Inspect surfaces with Zygo and NewView interferometers.
• Record measurement data for engineering use.
• Support robotic polishing operations with Fanuc systems.
• Maintain tooling and fixtures.
• Collaborate with engineers on R&D projects.
• Develop basic measurement programs on CMM and analyze results.
• Use Keyence systems for dimensional and surface inspections.

Skills

Metrology expertise

Precision finishing

Team collaboration

Documentation and tracing

Robotics operation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Zygo interferometer

NewView interferometer

CMM

Fanuc robotics

Digital microscopy

Process docs software

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.

Skills

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