Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Process Development & Optimization
   • Develop and optimize chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) and fine grinding processes for silicon optics.
   • Establish and control critical process parameters including abrasive selection, pressure, speed, slurry composition, pH control, and temperature.
   • Define process windows to ensure repeatability, yield, and optical surface quality.
   • Reduce defects such as surface haze, scratches, subsurface damage, and surface roughness through structured process improvements.
   • Support process transfer from development or pilot builds into volume manufacturing.
2. Tooling & Equipment Management
   • Design, evaluate, and improve tooling, fixtures, pads, and workholding systems for silicon optics fabrication.
   • Lead equipment qualification, acceptance, and process validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ).
   • Perform equipment performance analysis and troubleshooting, addressing mechanical, controls, tooling, and process-related issues.
   • Work with equipment suppliers to resolve technical issues and support continuous improvement.
3. Defect Analysis & Root Cause Investigation
   • Lead defect analysis using metrology, surface inspection, and process data.
   • Perform structured root cause investigations (8D, Fishbone, DMAIC) to address yield and quality losses.
   • Implement corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence of defects.
   • Establish and maintain SPC and monitoring systems to detect early process drift.
4. Process Efficiency Improvements & Lean Implementation
   • Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives to improve cycle time, throughput, and capacity utilization.
   • Apply Industrial Engineering principles such as line balancing, workflow optimization, and bottleneck analysis.
   • Implement process error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions to reduce operator and process-induced errors.
   • Support production ramp-up by stabilizing processes and reducing variation.
5. Environmental & Safety Compliance
   • Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) requirements related to chemicals, slurries, and waste handling.
   • Support proper chemical management, disposal, and documentation in accordance with regulatory and company standards.
   • Promote safe work practices in cleanroom and manufacturing environments.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3–7 years of experience in precision optics or semiconductor manufacturing, preferably IR silicon optics.
• Hands-on experience with CNC programming, polishing, grinding, and conventional machining (beveling, centering, milling).
• Proven experience in process industrialization, scale-up, and defect reduction.
• Strong background in tooling design, equipment analysis/troubleshooting, and process error-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Experience in Lean manufacturing, SPC, process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), PFMEA, and structured problem-solving.
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environments is preferred.
   

Skills

• Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) and fine grinding for IR silicon optics
• CNC programming, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Conventional machining: beveling, centering, milling
• Tooling, pad, and fixture design
• Equipment analysis, diagnostics, and process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Defect analysis and root cause investigation (8D, DMAIC, Fishbone)
• Process error-proofing (poka-yoke) and process control
• Lean manufacturing and industrial engineering (line balancing, workflow optimization, bottleneck analysis)
• SPC, Cp/Cpk, and manufacturing data analysis
• Agile documentation: user stories, acceptance criteria, backlog management
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and shop-floor communication
• Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.

Working Conditions

• 100% on-site role in a cleanroom facility.
• Hands-on presence in production areas, machine shops, and cleanroom environments.
• Frequent interaction with CNC and conventional machining equipment.
• May require extended hours or flexible schedules during ramp-up and critical builds.
• Compliance with safety, ESD, and cleanroom protocols is mandatory.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work