Sr. Lab Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, design, implement, and manage a customer-facing lab environment showcasing networking products and technologies, including servers, network switches, and supporting infrastructure such as monitoring tools.
• Define lab requirements, coordinate equipment procurement, and oversee installation, configuration, and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and deliver interactive demonstrations that highlight product capabilities and solutions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to create and maintain passive product displays, including hardware setups and technical signage within the lab.
• Lead and support proof-of-concept (POC) trials for key customers focused on optical datacenter and communications products.
• Perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and optimization of lab systems and equipment to ensure reliability and relevance.
• Engage directly with customers during lab visits, providing technical expertise and coordinating responses to inquiries with internal stakeholders.
• Drive customer POC requirements through internal engineering and product teams to ensure successful execution.
• Gather and communicate customer feedback to relevant internal teams to inform product improvements and strategy.
• Provide technical and customer-facing support at industry events and trade shows as needed.

  Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience); Master’s degree or higher preferred
  • 7+ years of experience in the communications and systems industry in technical roles
  • Hands-on experience with servers, network equipment, operating systems, and management software required

  Skills

  • Strong technical and debugging skills related to the installation, configuration, and operation of servers, network switches/devices, and network test and monitoring equipment
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting systems, monitoring tools, and lab test environments
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities
  • Familiarity with optical networking equipment is a plus

  Working Conditions

  • This position is onsite
  • May require occasional off-site meetings
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
  • Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job

  Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods while installing and maintaining lab equipment
  • Comfortable working in a lab and data center environment, including equipment racks and confined spaces
  • Ability to use standard tools for installation and maintenance of hardware
  • Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits, lab support

  Safety Requirements

  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

  Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

  • 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

  • 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

  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.