Member of Technical Staff

Coherent • Sunnyvale, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Provide senior technical leadership for OCS products from research and development through new product introduction (NPI). Develop validation and characterization strategies for OCS subsystems and assemblies, including electro-optical performance improvement, cost reduction, manufacturability, and reliability. Support test development, automation, and data analysis to improve test coverage, repeatability, throughput, and insight into technical issues. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex issues involving optics, electronics, mechanics, packaging, thermal behavior, and software interfaces. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers on 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.

The position is hybrid and may require occasional off-site meetings or travel. It involves regular computer and office-equipment use and interaction with team members and external contacts. Occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours may be needed to accommodate business needs.

Employees must follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Depending on location, the role may be responsible for executing and maintaining applicable ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, or other standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. The role is expected to uphold the company’s ICARE values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm.

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.
• 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.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills, including the ability to influence decisions across multiple organizations.
• Effective cross-functional communication and teamwork skills 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for OCS products from R&D through NPI.
• Drive validation and characterization strategies for OCS subsystems and assemblies, addressing electro-optical performance, cost reduction, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Support test development, automation, and data analysis to improve coverage, repeatability, throughput, and technical insight.
• 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 on design reviews, qualification, NPI, and production ramp activities.
• Act as a senior technical interface for internal stakeholders and external partners, translating system needs into technical recommendations and execution plans.
• Follow applicable site and corporate EHS procedures and standards.
• Depending on location, execute and maintain applicable quality and environmental management standards.
• Adhere to the company’s ICARE values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior