Sr. R&D Engineer - Optical System Design

We are seeking a Senior Development Engineer for our location in Traverse City, MI. The Senior Development Engineer will play a pivotal role in Coherent's new product development. This role is in charge of one or more individual development projects ranging from simple modifications of existing products and/or technology to the creation of new complex products and/or technology. The Senior Development Engineer will work with a cross-functional team to create innovative and enabling components and test methods for the photonics industry, with a specific focus on high power faraday isolator, fiber optic component, and diode laser pump technologies.

Essential Duties

• Design and testing of optical, optomechanical, and electronic components devices and test stations

• Oversee various projects within R&D and/or Business Development utilizing the PDP Process as appropriate.

• Create and maintain documentation (drawings, bills of material, device assembly procedures, schematics, test procedures, ISO, etc)

• Ability to perform and summarize research on state of the art photonic materials and technologies from scientific and technical journals

• Assist production department with design and performance issues

• Lead Product development projects and reporting out to management on project status

• Work with various company departments and customers on design and scheduling issues

• Technical customer interface on projects and general support for sales department

Other Responsibilities

• Prototyping of optical assemblies and test systems

• Commitment to ISO procedures and policies

• Lead technical staff involved in a project

• Perform other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics required

• 5+ years of experience in R&D or Engineering Product Development required

• Experience with Zemax or equivalent optical modeling software is required

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software preferred (COMSOL, Solidworks)

• Experience with Agile DCS desired

• Knowledge of optical manufacturing processes and procurement is preferred

• Hands on experience with breadboard optical system alignment is preferred

Skills

• Strong knowledge of laser optics (fiber and bulk) and physics

• Fiber optic handling skills

• Strong critical thinking skills

• Operation of low and high-power free space and fiber lasers

• Working knowledge of dimensioning & tolerancing standards including GD&T for optical components

• Knowledge of various optical manufacturing techniques (Grinding, Polishing, MRF, Contacting, Cementing, etc..)

• In depth understanding of mechanics and physics

• Experience with material selection to optimize cost/performance

• Ability to perform duties with minimal or no supervision

• Strong PC skills

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Familiarity of CAD/CAM equipment and relationship of CAD to CAM

• Knowledge of basic electronic manufacturing materials and techniques

• Advanced arithmetic skills

• Ability to use complex equipment, read difficult instructions, and maintain written records

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting with the need to visit the production floor on occasion.

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit and/or stand for an 8-hour shift

• Able to work around strong magnet fields

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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. person, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."