Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain manufacturing processes in accordance with established SOPs to ensure consistent testing, integration, and shipment of OCS systems.
• Support daily production activities, including station setup, calibration, functional testing, and process verification.
• Review and interpret product specifications and technical documentation for fiber optic modules and related assemblies.
• Identify process deviations, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions to maintain yield, quality, and throughput.
• Analyze test data to assess product performance, identify trends, and escalate abnormalities when necessary.
• Document test procedures, station setups, and results with a high level of accuracy and clarity.
• Generate detailed test and production reports to support engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams to improve manufacturing efficiency and robustness.
• Train and mentor operators on manufacturing processes, testing procedures, and best practices as needed.

 

 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a high-volume manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience in fiber optics, photonics, or optical module manufacturing is preferred.

 

Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues efficiently.
• Experience working with optical test instruments and related communication interfaces.
• Ability to independently manage priorities and execute tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and process discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to teach, guide, and support team members within the work group.

 

Working Conditions

• 100% onsite role.
• May require work in a Class 10,000 cleanroom environment, including wearing appropriate cleanroom attire (smock, mask, gloves).

Physical Requirements

Able to move light equipment and tooling (<25lbs) as needed when setting up manufacturing stations.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled trainings, follow site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

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.

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 Summary: We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support the day-to-day operation, setup, and production of Optical Circuit Switch (OCS) systems and fiber optic modules. This role plays a critical part in ensuring smooth manufacturing execution, test integrity, and on-time shipment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining manufacturing workflows, executing calibration and functional testing, reviewing product specifications, analyzing test results, and troubleshooting production issues. This position requires strong ownership of daily operations, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.