We are seeking an Sr. Optical Engineer at our East Granby, CT facility to join our Product Design & Development team. This role involves a balanced combination of numerical simulations, hands-on activities and management skills. The ideal candidate is a great collaborator and communicator, organized, self-driven and motivated by solving novel technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with our Product Management team to understand customer needs through frequent interactions, focusing on the design and numerical simulation of optical waveguides, coupling efficiencies, and light manipulation techniques.
• Propose innovative fiber designs and participate in developmental plans to meet target specifications. Applications include: lasers and amplifiers, optical sensors and fiber assemblies.
• Develop test protocols to evaluate new fiber designs according to application needs.
• Lead a team of Optical Engineers in executing test protocols. Analyze results and provide comprehensive summaries to senior management and to customers.
• Offer specialized technical support to customers, applying systematic problem-solving skills (such as A3, 8D) to ensure optimal product performance.
• Engage in the Coherent Phase Gate process for new product introduction, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and accomplish milestones towards successfulmarket release.
• Document and publish key technical findings through conference presentations or white papers to aid customers in adopting our products.
• Submit new Intellectual Property

Education and Work Experience

• A Bachelor’s or Master's (preferred) degree in Engineering with a focus on Optics, Optical Fiber, or Lasers.
• 5 years of industry experience in optics, specializing in optical fiber and optical component testing.
• Proven experience in the design, construction, and testing of medium to high-power fiber laser systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with optical fiber handling (cleaving, splicing), and general fiber measurements (coupling efficiency, attenuation, absorption).
• Broad knowledge of optical fiber deployment in various applications, including fiber lasers, fiber assemblies, and optical sensors.
• Proven experience in decision making & project leadership methods based upon data, expert feedback from the critical team & risk analysis (similar to OODA - Observe, Orient, Decide, Act).
• Exceptional communication skills and proficiency in systematic problem-solving methods (such as A3 or 8D).
• Experience in managing technical experts within project teams or as direct reports.
• Proficient with simulation tools like Matlab and Comsol, and knowledgeable in different fiber geometries and designs.

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

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."