RF Induction Systems Engineer – Crystal Growth & Melting Equipment

Coherent • Budd Lake, NJ

1d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced RF Induction Systems Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on the design, development, and optimization of RF induction heating systems for crystal growth and melting equipment. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of RF systems, from initial design and simulation to hands-on tuning, troubleshooting, and integration with crystal growth platforms. This position requires a strong understanding of RF power systems, resonant circuits, and high-temperature/vacuum environments, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and provide technical leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in RF power systems, induction heating, or high-power electronics
• Strong understanding of resonant circuits (series and parallel)
• Strong understanding of impedance matching
• Strong understanding of RF power delivery systems
• Hands-on experience with induction heating systems (kHz range preferred)
• Experience with high-temperature or vacuum systems

Nice To Haves

• Experience with crystal growth systems (CZ, HEM, skull melting, Bridgman)
• Familiarity with reactive oxide or semiconductor materials
• Experience with COMSOL, ANSYS Maxwell, or similar tools
• Knowledge of thermal management and cooling design
• Knowledge of high-current bus design
• Knowledge of vacuum and controlled atmosphere systems
• Experience working with RF generators (solid-state or tube-based)

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize current RF induction heating systems (typically 1–50 kHz range)
• Develop and tune series and parallel resonant circuits for high-power operation
• Specify and integrate RF generators, matching networks, and capacitor banks
• Design and optimize induction coils for thermal profile and coupling efficiency
• Support and develop crystal growth melting systems
• Optimize thermal gradients, melt stability, and power delivery
• Integrate RF systems with crystal growth platforms (e.g., CZ, HEM, skull melting)
• Develop process recipes and operating envelopes for different materials
• Perform electromagnetic and thermal simulations (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS)
• Model coupling efficiency, current distribution, and heating profiles
• Analyze load-dependent impedance behavior and resonance shifts
• Lead tuning of RF systems under dynamic load conditions
• Diagnose issues related to detuning and reflected power, instability and oscillation, coil overheating and inefficiency
• Optimize performance across full process cycle (cold start → melt → steady-state)
• Design and review coil assemblies, cooling systems (water-cooled copper structures), bus bars and power delivery systems
• Ensure robust high-current, low-loss electrical connections
• Develop test plans and validation procedures
• Analyze system performance using current/voltage measurements, phase and impedance analysis, thermal diagnostics
• Lead commissioning of new equipment and upgrades
• Work with materials scientists, process engineers, and mechanical teams
• Support scale-up from R&D to production systems
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers

Benefits

• Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards
• ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards
• Company’s values (ICARE): Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm

What This Job Offers

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