NPI Engineer

Coherent•Budd Lake, NJ

About The Position

Responsible for leading the introduction of new crystal components, optical elements, and photonic subassemblies from concept through production release, with a strong focus on supporting external customer programs and accelerating time-to-market. Serves as the primary technical interface between customers, engineering, and manufacturing teams throughout the product qualification and commercialization process. Collaborates closely with design engineers across global Coherent locations to ensure successful transition of new products into manufacturing. Evaluates prototype requests for technical feasibility, manufacturability, and scalability, including assessment of material selection—particularly nonlinear optical materials—phase-matching requirements, manufacturing tolerances, inspection methods, and test strategies. Develops a deep understanding of customer applications, including a wide range of laser platforms and photonic systems, to identify technical risks early and implement effective mitigation plans. Generates and maintains product documentation, including technical drawings, manufacturing instructions, specifications, qualification reports, and engineering change documentation. Coordinates cross-functional activities among planning, R&D, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to optimize product introduction schedules and ensure successful execution of customer programs. Ensures products meet all customer specifications, quality requirements, and manufacturing readiness criteria prior to production release. Leads phase-gate reviews and drives lifecycle management activities, proactively addressing design, process, supply chain, and quality risks throughout the product lifecycle. Develops and maintains project metrics, reporting systems, and NPI dashboards to monitor program status, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement. Implements processes, tools, and best practices that improve efficiency, product quality, and time-to-market for new product introductions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline required.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience with a Bachelor's degree; 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree; or a Ph.D. in a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and directly applicable work experience will also be considered.
Experience in photonics, laser systems, nonlinear optics, optical materials, and light-matter interactions.
Experience with laser systems, optical components and assemblies, project management, and delivery of technical presentations to customers and cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate and execute multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Experience and/or strong interest in customer-facing engineering support, including managing customer requests and technical inquiries.
Ability to build strong working relationships with customers, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Strong customer focus with the ability to understand customer needs and deliver responsive technical solutions.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across organizational boundaries.
Effective project planning, prioritization, and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.
Ability to make sound technical and business decisions with limited supervision.
Demonstrated ownership and accountability for project outcomes and customer satisfaction.
Ability to mentor, coach, and share knowledge with peers and less experienced team members.
Adaptability and resilience in managing changing priorities, customer requirements, and business needs.
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization and operational excellence.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and foster teamwork.
Results-oriented approach with a demonstrated ability to drive execution and achieve business objectives.
Ability to lead technical reviews, facilitate discussions, and gain consensus among stakeholders.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to quality.
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CAD software, including SolidWorks, is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the introduction of new crystal components, optical elements, and photonic subassemblies from concept through production release.
Support external customer programs and accelerate time-to-market.
Serve as the primary technical interface between customers, engineering, and manufacturing teams.
Collaborate with design engineers to ensure successful transition of new products into manufacturing.
Evaluate prototype requests for technical feasibility, manufacturability, and scalability.
Assess material selection, phase-matching requirements, manufacturing tolerances, inspection methods, and test strategies.
Develop a deep understanding of customer applications to identify and mitigate technical risks.
Generate and maintain product documentation.
Coordinate cross-functional activities to optimize product introduction schedules.
Ensure products meet all customer specifications, quality requirements, and manufacturing readiness criteria.
Lead phase-gate reviews and drive lifecycle management activities.
Develop and maintain project metrics, reporting systems, and NPI dashboards.
Implement processes, tools, and best practices to improve efficiency, product quality, and time-to-market.