Etch & Plasma Area Equipment Engineering Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead a team of approximately 2+ Equipment Engineers and several technicians supporting multiple equipment modules.
• Promote a servant leadership culture that values curiosity, mentorship, and joyful engagement over hierarchy or ego.
• Develop and coach engineers and technicians through individual growth plans, performance feedback, and structured training programs.
• Encourage cross-training, technical certifications, and career development aligned with company needs and employee goals.
• Build an inclusive and supportive team environment where collaboration and accountability thrive.
• Ensure equipment uptime and process stability through structured preventive maintenance, data-driven decision making, and proactive problem solving.
• Review and challenge teams to prioritize effectively based on operations needs and risk.
• Lead daily operations discussions, providing status updates, constraints, and recovery plans.
• Drive rapid resolution of tool issues by fostering collaboration between Engineering, Process, Facilities, and Operations teams.
• Support development activities and process introductions to ensure smooth transitions from R&D to manufacturing.
• Develop and manage module-level improvement roadmaps focused on safety, quality, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to closure through structured problem-solving methods (5Y, 8D, FMEA, etc.).
• Leverage SPC and data automation to increase team reliance on measurable performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities for tool upgrades, reliability improvements, and cost reductions.
• Oversee project schedules, capital justifications, and installation activities for new or relocated tools.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with key vendors and service providers to strengthen technical support and responsiveness.
• Mentor engineers on the importance of vendor relationships, negotiation, and long-term partnership.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, EHS, Facilities, and Operations leadership to align on shared priorities.
• Ensure all activities meet or exceed site safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Define, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) for tool availability, MTBF, PM compliance, and cost metrics.
• Use data visualization and reporting tools to provide meaningful insight to senior management.
• Ensure accurate maintenance records, PM documentation, and tool history logs are maintained.

  Education & Experience

  • Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum: 10+ years of semiconductor equipment experience including 3+ years in leadership of engineers and/or technicians supporting the following Tool sets (e.g., Ash, PVD, PECVD).
  • Proven success managing multiple tool types or modules within a wafer fabrication or advanced manufacturing environment.

  Skills

  • Deep understanding of semiconductor equipment principles — mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and process interactions.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with demonstrated servant leadership mindset.
  • Skilled in data-driven problem solving, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to balance strategic vision with day-to-day execution under dynamic production conditions.
  • Experience managing capital projects, vendor contracts, and spare parts budgets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and manufacturing data systems (e.g., MES, CMMS, SPC).
  • Collaborative leadership style that promotes inclusion, accountability, and joy in the workplace.

  Physical Requirements

  • Work primarily in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom environment as needed to support team activities.
  • Wear full cleanroom attire and work safely around chemicals and process gases.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed to support operations and critical projects.

  Safety Requirements

  • All employees are required to follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
  • Actively promote a culture of safety and ensure team compliance with all relevant protocols.
  • Must be able to pass and maintain Emergency Response Team (ERT) clearance through periodic physicals.

  Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

  • Support execution and maintenance of ISO 9001, 14001, and related standards within the Quality and Environmental Management Systems.
  • Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

  Culture Commitment

  • 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

  About Us

  Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!