Principal Quality Engineer-Optical Systems
About The Position
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!
Requirements
- M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in quality engineering focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies.
- Demonstrated experience supporting products through NPI and high-volume technical manufacturing environments.
- Strong technical understanding of optical systems including lasers, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto-mechanical assemblies.
- Exceptional root cause investigation and failure analysis capabilities in complex technical manufacturing environments.
- Experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits within ISO-based quality management systems.
- Proven track record in process improvement, yield enhancement, and implementation of quality systems and controls.
- Hands-on experience working closely with manufacturing teams to resolve quality escapes and improve process robustness.
- Ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams and leadership.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams and suppliers.
- Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments preferred.
Responsibilities
- Partner with cross-functional teams including optical design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, process engineering, and suppliers to ensure quality is built into product and process development.
- Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, and 5-Why to resolve internal and customer-facing quality issues.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure and verify effectiveness through data-based validation and follow-up.
- Develop and maintain quality plans, control plans, inspection strategies, and process documentation for optical systems and assemblies.
- Implement and monitor yield metrics, and other quality indicators to reduce variation and improve product performance.
- Conduct and support internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other applicable quality management standards.
- Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate process capability, manage nonconformances, and improve overall supply chain quality performance.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp activities, ensuring process readiness, risk mitigation, and manufacturing scalability.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles within a technical manufacturing environment.
- Prepare and present quality performance reports, audit findings, and improvement plans to leadership and key stakeholders.
Benefits
- competitive compensation program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
