Lead Epi Engineer

About the Technology

The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, particularly those based on indium phosphide (InP) technology. InP lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics, enabling the optical networks that form the global internet. Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), tunable lasers, and photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring.

In 2022, Coherent introduced 200 Gbps InP electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers, providing customers with advanced, robust, and cost-competitive devices for 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs. With over one hundred million lasers deployed, Coherent’s InP technology platform is one of the few in the industry proven at scale over decades.

Responsibilities

• Implement, develop, and continuously improve processes for producing GaAs/InP-based optoelectronic devices using MOCVD methods, with a focus on new product development, statistical analysis, and process control to support high-volume 24/7 manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Design and Product teams to plan and execute growth developments for newly conceived epitaxial designs and structures.
• Explore process variants to improve existing growth workflows in capacity, yield, throughput, or cost.
• Ensure compliance and minimize variation in production processes and outputs.
• Present development results to senior management and interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintain flexibility in working hours to support on-shift technical and operations personnel.

Requirements

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with MOCVD crystal growth of GaAs/InP-based materials or compound semiconductor processing (preferred but not essential).

Skills

• Experience with epitaxial characterization tools such as XRD, ECV, PL, and reflectance.
• Familiarity with SPC, Gage, DOE, and other manufacturing/data analysis techniques (JMP experience a plus).
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a small group and take initiative.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on-site, with occasional travel to other Coherent sites.
• 8-hour weekday schedule with occasional night or weekend support for production.
• Must function in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Work primarily in an office environment but regularly interact with manufacturing/production areas, including cleanroom/Fab environments with full gowning and safety compliance.
• Access to warehouse, laboratory, and production areas for operational support and cross-functional collaboration.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or attending meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Safety & Compliance

• Adherence to site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
• Depending on location, responsibility for executing and maintaining ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, or other applicable standards within the Quality and Environmental Management Systems.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to Coherent’s ICARE values in all aspects of the role:

• 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. As a vertically integrated manufacturing company, we develop innovative products for industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent offers a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, rewarding excellence and hard work through a competitive compensation program.