Member of Technical Staff

Coherent Corp. Vietnam•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•$189,500 - $262,250•Hybrid

About The Position

The Member of Technical Staff provides senior technical leadership for OCS products from research and development through new product introduction. The role drives validation and characterization strategies for OCS subsystems and assemblies, seeking improvements in electro-optical performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability. It supports test development, automation, and data analysis to improve test coverage, repeatability, throughput, and insight into technical issues. The position leads root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex issues spanning optics, electronics, mechanics, packaging, thermal behavior, and software interfaces. It collaborates with cross-functional teams and suppliers on design reviews, qualification, NPI, and production ramp activities, and serves as a senior technical interface for internal stakeholders and external partners. The role translates system needs into actionable technical recommendations and execution plans. The position is hybrid and may require occasional off-site meetings or travel, occasional overtime, and flexibility in work hours to accommodate business needs. Regular computer and office-equipment use and interaction with team members and external contacts are part of the role. Physical requirements include extended sitting, hand and finger use for typing, writing, and handling documents, occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds, verbal and written communication, and mobility around the office. Employees must follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Depending on location, the role may also be responsible for execution and maintenance of applicable quality and environmental management standards, including ISO 9000, 9001, and 14001.

Requirements

Master's or Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
15+ years of experience in optical communications, photonic systems, or related technical leadership roles.
Demonstrated experience in system-level optical architecture, validation, qualification, manufacturing scale-up, and cross-functional technical execution.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills, with the ability to influence decisions across multiple organizations.
Deep technical expertise in optical circuit switching, optical communications, fiber-optic systems, and optical packaging.
Strong understanding of insertion loss, crosstalk, switching behavior, calibration, and measurement uncertainty.
Experience with optical test equipment and measurement tools such as power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, polarization controllers, and related lab instrumentation.
Familiarity with automation and data analysis tools, including Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
Hands-on ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems, interpret test data, and drive root cause analysis to closure.
Effective cross-functional communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work across R&D, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and suppliers.
Strong mentoring and technical influence skills, with the ability to guide engineers and raise the technical bar across the organization.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to follow applicable site EHS procedures and corporate EHS standards.

Responsibilities

Provide senior technical leadership for OCS products from R&D to NPI.
Drive validation and characterization strategy for OCS subsystems and assemblies, including electro-optical performance improvement, cost deduction, manufacturability, and reliability.
Support test development, automation, and data analysis to improve coverage, repeatability, throughput, and insight into technical issues.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex issues across optics, electronics, mechanics, packaging, thermal behavior, and software interfaces.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to support design reviews, qualification, NPI, and production ramp activities.
Serve as a senior technical interface for internal stakeholders and external partners, translating system needs into actionable technical recommendations and execution plans.
Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Depending on location, execute and maintain applicable quality and environmental management standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.