Subject Matter Expert (Manufacturing Engineer) - Optics Polishing

Coherent•Budd Lake, NJ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Coherent Corp. is seeking an experienced Crystal Optics Fabrication, Polishing, and Automation Subject Matter Expert for its Budd Lake, New Jersey location. The position provides technical leadership and expertise in fabricating and precision-polishing optical crystals used in laser systems, optical isolators, modulators, and other photonic products. The role combines hands-on optical manufacturing knowledge with identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions, including robotics, in an adaptive, fast-paced environment with changing priorities and business needs. The position leads crystal fabrication and precision-polishing operations, including sawing, coring, grinding, lapping, shaping, fixturing, and polishing. It establishes and optimizes process parameters to meet dimensional, surface, and optical-quality requirements; develops processes for new products and production programs; and improves yield, cycle time, capacity, and cost. The role also uses precision metrology and process data for qualification, capability studies, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions. A major focus is automating labor-intensive, repetitive, and quality-sensitive manufacturing operations. The role develops automation roadmaps and business cases, leads projects from concept and prototyping through installation, qualification, training, and production release, and works with suppliers, integrators, Engineering, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Production Operations. It troubleshoots complex equipment, tooling, fixture, slurry, material-handling, surface-quality, contamination, and dimensional issues. The position also manages and mentors early-career Manufacturing Engineers and partners with Production Operations to resolve issues, support schedules, and improve performance. The role is 100% on-site in Budd Lake, NJ, with regular work in cleanroom, laboratory, and industrial manufacturing environments. Occasional work outside normal business hours may be needed for equipment installation, qualifications, production trials, or critical manufacturing needs. Employees must follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Depending on location, the position may also be responsible for applicable quality and environmental management system standards, including ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. The employee is expected to uphold the company’s ICARE values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optics, materials science, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, automation, or a related technical field.
At least 7 years of experience in crystal optics fabrication, precision polishing, and/or optical manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience leading or supporting automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
Experience identifying automation opportunities and implementing robotics, machine vision, automated equipment, or material-handling systems.
Experience developing equipment requirements, evaluating suppliers, validating processes, and transferring automated solutions into production.
Strong knowledge of crystal optics, optical materials, fabrication, polishing, and surface finishing.
Hands-on knowledge of grinding, lapping, polishing, fixturing, abrasives, slurries, and optical inspection techniques.
Knowledge of robotics, automation systems, machine vision, sensors, PLC-controlled equipment, or automated inspection systems.
Strong project management, troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to develop technical business cases and evaluate return on investment for automation projects.
Ability to lead cross-functional projects and interface effectively with technicians, engineers, suppliers, and management.
Ability to work independently and provide technical leadership in a production environment.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods in a production or cleanroom environment.
Ability to work with microscopes, precision tools, manufacturing equipment, and computer systems.
Ability to occasionally lift and move materials, tooling, fixtures, and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements associated with polishing, inspection, assembly, and equipment operation.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes, cleanroom garments, and respiratory protection where applicable.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer, preparing technical documentation, or attending meetings.

Nice To Haves

Experience with optical crystals, laser materials, surface finishing, precision manufacturing, or optical inspection.
Experience with new product introduction, process qualification, capability studies, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for crystal fabrication and precision-polishing operations.
Oversee sawing, coring, grinding, lapping, shaping, fixturing, and polishing of optical crystals.
Establish and optimize process parameters to meet dimensional, surface, and optical-quality requirements.
Identify and prioritize opportunities to automate labor-intensive, repetitive, and quality-sensitive operations.
Lead the selection and implementation of robotics, machine vision, automated inspection, material handling, and process-control systems.
Develop automation roadmaps and business cases addressing capacity, labor, quality, cost, return on investment, and implementation timelines.
Lead automation projects from concept and prototyping through installation, qualification, training, and production release.
Partner with suppliers, integrators, Engineering, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and Production Operations to deploy new technologies.
Troubleshoot equipment, tooling, fixture, slurry, material-handling, surface-quality, contamination, and dimensional issues.
Develop and improve processes for new products, engineering builds, production programs, yield, cycle time, capacity, and cost.
Use precision metrology and process data to support qualification, capability studies, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
Manage and mentor early-career Manufacturing Engineers.
Partner with Production Operations to align projects, resolve issues, support schedules, and improve overall performance.
Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
As applicable to the location and role, execute and maintain relevant quality and environmental management system standards.
Adhere to the company’s ICARE values in all aspects of the position.