Lead Process Development Engineer, Assembly

We are seeking a Lead Process Development Engineer to drive the development and implementation of advanced assembly manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures, with a focus on optics and optical systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with infrared (IR) optical systems and a strong understanding of fabrication processes for IR optics.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Process Development and Process Control:  Under limited supervision, leads development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, tooling, and test fixtures related to assembly of optics and optical systems.  Strong skills are desired in the basic principles of optical fabrication, assembly and test.  Fabrication includes grinding, pitch polishing, pad polishing, CNC generating, CNC polishing, Asphere polishing, MRF, CP operation, edging, and shaping of optical components.  Assembly includes alignment using both mechanical means (fixtures, physical measurement of edge location) and optical (alignment telescopes, autocollimators, computerized alignment stations).  Test includes interferometric characterization of single and multiple surfaces, MTF, stray light, focal length, magnification, and other important characteristics of optical materials, components, and systems. Manufacturing processes developed are robust against product specifications and support quoted cost. Key process variables are identified, characterized, and controlled sufficiently to consistently result in acceptable quality and cycle times.  Process variables reduction is continuously engaged. 
• Process Documentation: Responsible for building and maintaining manufacturing process documentation for use by production personnel in the performance of their jobs.  Manufacturing Process documentation includes Work Order Release (WOR) packages including manufacturing Process Plans (Routers) and Bills of Materials (BOM’s), and RCN, ECO, and NOR change order documentation.  The WOR packages must delineate the required steps in sufficient detail to successfully fabricate, coat, assemble and test COHERENT A&D products as defined by customer and COHERENT A&D specifications. In addition, Process Development Engineering is responsible for maintaining and updating support documentation including Standard Manufacturing Procedures (SMP’s), inspections, manufacturing drawings and special processes.
• Estimating:  Supports quoting activities by evaluating technical requirements, identifying exceptions, and preparing cost estimates for customer quotes.
• Production Readiness Review: Serves as a liaison to Engineering department. Supports Design for Manufacturing efforts by evaluating technical requirements, identifying technical risks, assessing manufacturability, and providing design change recommendations. Facilitates Process Failure Mode Analysis (PFMEA).

Education & Experience

• Minimum 7 years experience working in a production manufacturing environment for IR lens and window manufacturing. 
• Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science, preferred. Masters or Ph.D. in related technical fields is a strong plus. 
• Experience in conventional optical fabrication is desired. 
• Experience in assembly and test technologies is required. Optical fabrication includes any of the following areas: grinding, pitch polishing, pad polishing, CNC generating, CNC polishing, Asphere polishing, MRF, CP operation, edging, and shaping of optical components. Test includes interferometric characterization of surfaces and transmitted wave front, MTF, stray light, focal length, magnification, and other important characteristics of optical materials, components, and systems
• Experience in IR ceramic materials & manufacturing is a strong plus
• Experience in optical assembly process development & metrology & tests are required.
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers and Bills of Materials with full documentation and configuration control required.
• Hands on Manufacturing experience is a plus.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.
• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet software including MS Word, Excel, Access; CAD software knowledge desired (Solidworks preferred).
• Strong analytical, fault isolation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization skills and attention to details required.
• Must be capable of reading blueprints.
• Experience in process design, development and project planning is desired.
• Must understand production flow and be capable of logically developing planning within this flow that correctly and efficiently builds product.

Working Conditions

• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and office machinery.
• Noise level – Usually moderate.

Physical Requirements

• Walk. Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other employees accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Use hands/fingers to type/handle.  Operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles. 
• Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Sedentary Work. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Visual acuity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

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 A&D:

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 A&D 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."