Principal Engineer

Location: Fremont, CA, United States

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs. 

Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.

As the Principal Product Engineer, you will lead all aspects of product engineering, from development through production, for high-power CW laser technologies primarily for 800G / 1.6T datacom applications. This position demands a hands-on approach to product performance, yield optimization, and production troubleshooting. Your expertise will guide the seamless integration of new products into existing systems and ensure our continued leadership in the market.

 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Product Engineering Leadership: Oversee the entire product engineering lifecycle for high-power CW lasers, ensuring optimal performance and yield.
• Manufacturing Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing teams to enhance processes and address production challenges directly on-site.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate with Product Development Engineers to ensure smooth transitions of new products into production.
• Data Analysis: Utilize statistical methods to analyze reliability and test data, identifying trends and potential issues to improve product quality.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate and lead multidisciplinary teams, promoting a culture of innovation and collaborative success.

Education & Experience

• A Master’s degree or higher in Electronic Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• At minimum 10 years’ of industrial experience in product engineering, preferably with a focus on semiconductor lasers or related optoelectronic devices such as photodiodes, semiconductor optical modulators, and semiconductor optical amplifiers.

Skills

• Proficient in data analysis and statistical evaluation related to product engineering.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex projects and diverse teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing and preempting issues.
• Willingness to travel frequently to manufacturing sites.
• Excellent communication skills, essential for effective teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA. 
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

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.:

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.


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