Staff Engineer, Process

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with operators, production supervisors, engineers, and R&D teams to improve manufacturing processes and product quality
• Spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, troubleshooting issues, and identifying improvement opportunities
• Lead and support process improvement projects focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, throughput, and quality
• Investigate process and product issues using structured problem-solving techniques and data-driven decision making
• Develop and execute experiments to better understand process behavior and improve manufacturing performance
• Support the transfer of manufacturing processes between facilities and help ensure successful implementation across sites
• Build expertise in ceramic forming processes, thermal processing, and advanced materials manufacturing
• Document process improvements and support the development of manufacturing procedures and best practices
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and technologies into manufacturing
• Take ownership of projects from problem identification through implementation and follow-up

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
• 2-5 years of engineering, manufacturing, process development, or related experience
• Manufacturing, process engineering, internship, or co-op experience preferred

Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while knowing when to seek input from others
• Experience with data analysis, DOE, SPC, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies preferred
• Experience working in a production environment preferred
• Exposure to materials processing, thermal processing, or advanced manufacturing technologies preferred
• Naturally curious and enjoys understanding how things work
• Comfortable learning through experimentation and hands-on problem solving
• Takes ownership and follows through on commitments
• Prefers solving problems at the source rather than from behind a desk
• Willing to challenge assumptions respectfully when data or observations suggest a better approach
• Enjoys working as part of a team and building strong relationships across functions

Bonus Qualifications

• Evidence of hands-on interests and a passion for building, making, repairing, or improving things, such as: Woodworking, Automotive projects, Robotics, Fabrication, Machining, 3D printing, Competitive engineering teams, Personal technical projects

What Success Looks Like

• Successfully contribute to one or more process transfer initiatives
• Deliver measurable improvements in yield, scrap reduction, throughput, or process capability
• Become a trusted resource for operators, supervisors, and engineering colleagues
• Demonstrate independent ownership of projects and deliver results

Working Conditions

• Office and manufacturing floor environment with regular interaction with production processes and equipment
• Able to occasionally lift/push/pull up to 20 lbs.
• Able to sit, stand, bend, squat and walk about the facility

Physical Requirements

• Able to work safely around manufacturing equipment

Safety Requirements

• All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards
• This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities
• Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently
• Risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance

Quality & 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)
• 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!