VP, Advanced Development

Coherent Corp.•Santa Clara, CA

1d•$288,750 - $404,250

About The Position

Coherent is seeking a Vice President (or SVP) of Research to lead its advanced research organization. This role is responsible for defining and executing the company’s long-term research agenda, leading internal technology development, and delivering demonstrable, impactful technical results. The VP of Research will lead an organization composed of senior technical leaders, including Principal Investigators and industry-recognized experts, and ensure that research programs produce differentiated capabilities aligned with Coherent’s strategic priorities. The position reports to the CTO.

Requirements

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
15+ years of experience in photonics or optical communications
Deep expertise in datacenter and communications systems and optical technologies
Strong understanding of complex devices such as CW lasers, EMLs, silicon photonics, tunable lasers, and IQ modulators
Proven track record leading research or advanced development teams
Experience leading organizations composed of senior technical leaders or equivalent
Experience translating research into product results

Nice To Haves

Experience with advanced packaging is beneficial but not required
Deep technical credibility with senior researchers and with customers in our ecosystem
Strong judgment in selecting and prioritizing research directions
Ability to drive programs from concept to proofs of concept and demonstrations

Responsibilities

Lead research organization composed of Principal Investigators, senior technical leaders, and industry-recognized experts
Define and execute a multi-year research roadmap aligned with company priorities in datacenter and communications, materials, industrial, and emerging technologies
Sustain and build on a culture of technical rigor, ownership, innovation, and delivery
Drive alignment and execution across highly experienced, largely self-directed technical leaders
Oversee a portfolio of research programs, including prioritization and resource allocation, ensuring research investments deliver measurable technical outcomes aligned with corporate strategy
Drive development of key technologies from concept through proof of feasibility
Deliver industry-leading demonstrations and proofs-of-concept that validate performance, scalability, and integration
Identify and incubate new technologies emerging from research
Define clear paths for technologies: advance, partner, monitor, or discontinue
Transition successful technologies to Business Groups
Drive adoption of advanced R&D capabilities, including simulation and AI-enabled tools and workflows
Maintain a company-wide view of technology capabilities versus future requirements
Identify and close gaps between research, product roadmaps, and anticipated needs
Ensure alignment between internal research priorities and external system and market direction
Evaluate external technologies and acquisition targets, providing build vs. buy vs. partner recommendations