Staff Engineer, Process

Coherent • Newark, NJ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on improving manufacturing processes and product quality by partnering with operators, production supervisors, engineers, and R&D teams. The engineer will spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, troubleshooting issues, and identifying improvement opportunities. Key responsibilities include leading process improvement projects aimed at enhancing yield, reducing scrap, increasing throughput, and improving quality. The role also involves investigating process and product issues using structured, data-driven methods, developing and executing experiments to understand process behavior, and supporting the transfer of manufacturing processes between facilities. Building expertise in ceramic forming, thermal processing, and advanced materials manufacturing is crucial. The engineer will document improvements, support the development of manufacturing procedures, and collaborate on introducing new products and technologies. Project ownership from identification through implementation is expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
• 2-5 years of engineering, manufacturing, process development, or related experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while knowing when to seek input from others
• Ability to occasionally lift/push/pull up to 20 lbs.
• Able to sit, stand, bend, squat and walk about the facility.
• Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment
• All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Manufacturing, process engineering, internship, or co-op experience preferred
• Experience with data analysis, DOE, SPC, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies preferred
• Experience working in a production environment preferred
• Exposure to materials processing, thermal processing, or advanced manufacturing technologies preferred
• Naturally curious and enjoys understanding how things work
• Comfortable learning through experimentation and hands-on problem solving
• Takes ownership and follows through on commitments
• Prefers solving problems at the source rather than from behind a desk
• Willing to challenge assumptions respectfully when data or observations suggest a better approach
• Enjoys working as part of a team and building strong relationships across functions
• Evidence of hands-on interests and a passion for building, making, repairing, or improving things, such as: Woodworking, Automotive projects, Robotics, Fabrication, Machining, 3D printing, Competitive engineering teams, Personal technical projects

Responsibilities

• Partner with operators, production supervisors, engineers, and R&D teams to improve manufacturing processes and product quality
• Spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, troubleshooting issues, and identifying improvement opportunities
• Lead and support process improvement projects focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, throughput, and quality
• Investigate process and product issues using structured problem-solving techniques and data-driven decision making
• Develop and execute experiments to better understand process behavior and improve manufacturing performance
• Support the transfer of manufacturing processes between facilities and help ensure successful implementation across sites
• Build expertise in ceramic forming processes, thermal processing, and advanced materials manufacturing
• Document process improvements and support the development of manufacturing procedures and best practices
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and technologies into manufacturing
• Take ownership of projects from problem identification through implementation and follow-up

Benefits

• Company’s values (ICARE): Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm

What This Job Offers

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