Staff NPI Engineer (Laser, Photonics & Automation)

About the role

Coherent’s Laser Systems and Measurement division designs and manufactures precision solid-state lasers, laser diode systems, multi-laser light engines, and calibrated laser measurement systems. We are seeking a highly technical and hands-on Staff NPI Engineer to lead the transition of new laser and photonic products from R&D to scalable, high-volume manufacturing and hand over to Production and Sustaining Engineering.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• NPI Project Execution Lead and support new product introductions from Design release through Pilot ramp.
• Cook manufacturing readiness, line setup, and ensure smooth phase-gate transitions.
• Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering teams.
• Diagnose and resolve product and manufacturing issues with structured corrective action.
• Estimate manufacturing costs, determine tooling, and process requirements of new product lines.
• Present regular project updates including metrics, schedules, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Proposing and justifying capital and expense expenditures necessary to provide new production capability.

Automation, Robotics & Motion Control

• Develop and deploy robust automated test and calibration systems for laser modules and measurement products in a production environment.
• Implement automation for laser characterization, optical alignment, calibration, burn-in, and final test.
• Implement high-precision motion control systems for optical alignment, calibration, and active alignment processes.
• Interface with motion controllers, power meters, spectrometers, temperature controllers, vision systems, and DAQ hardware.
• Ensure automation solutions are robust, incorporate appropriate safety measures, and are self-troubleshooting with efficient and intuitive user interface.
• Establish communication between test systems and MES/ERP/SQL databases.
• Implement automated data logging, analysis, and visualization to monitor yield and process performance.
• Ensure proper version control, documentation, and configuration management of automation software.

Education & Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
• 6 years’ experience in NPI, product, manufacturing, or test engineering within lasers, optics, photonics, or related high-tech industries.
• Strong hands-on experience with optical alignment, opto-mechanical assembly, and laser/photonics test equipment.
• Experience in automated optical alignment systems.
• Proven experience developing automated test systems using LabVIEW, Python, LabWindows/CVI, C#, or similar environments.
• Experience with instrument control via DAQ, VISA, GPIB, Ethernet, or serial interfaces.
• Experience integrating test systems with MES/ERP platforms.
• Experience transitioning products into high-mix and/or volume production.

Skills

• Strong structured problem-solving and project execution skills.
• Strong understanding of how automation can be used to optimize KPIs in high-tech manufacturing environments.
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
• Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.

Automation Platforms

• May Include LabVIEW / NI TestStand
• Python (PyVISA, PyDAQmx, instrument drivers, automation frameworks)
• LabWindows/CVIC# / .NET-based test frameworks
• Other industrial automation environments

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!