Manufacturing Technician- Crystal Growth

Job Summary: Coherent Corp. is seeking a detail-oriented Crystal Growth Technician to join our Budd Lake, NJ manufacturing team. This role is responsible for operating crystal growth furnaces, preparing raw materials, monitoring process conditions, and performing basic material characterization. The technician will follow work instructions, maintain accurate production records, support equipment and process troubleshooting, and ensure high-quality crystal material is available for downstream processing. The ideal candidate is hands-on, safety-focused, and committed to quality, precision, and teamwork.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare, verify, and document raw materials, process parameters & operating conditions per controlled procedures

• Assemble and inspect furnaces to ensure operability, mechanical integrity and compliance to process documents

• Set up, operate, and monitor growth systems for crystal growth production & perform additional production support activities

• Identify, report and respond to process drift, equipment instability, or infrastructure-related interruptions

• Execute controlled process recipes per engineering guidance.

• Accurately record process data, deviations, and observations in controlled Crystal Growth & Quality Control documentation systems

• Participate in root-cause investigations related to yield loss and equipment stability

• Train and mentor junior technicians; review setups for procedural compliance

• Maintain strict adherence to safe operating practices & comply with EH&S directives

Education & Experience

• Minimum four years of experience in high tech manufacturing environments

• Associate's degree preferred. 

• Proven ability to independently operate complex crystal growth, coating or precision machining equipment in a production environment

• Strong understanding of process execution & consequences to outcome, reliability and delivery 

• Experience with controlled documentation, deviation management, and manufacturing discipline

• Demonstrated troubleshooting capability with manufacturing equipment and support infrastructure

• Mechanical aptitude for precision equipment & instruments

• Proficiency in data entry systems and Microsoft Office tools

• Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and process ownership mindset

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable working both independently and within small teams.

• Strong observation & problem-solving skills with timely & effective communication up and down the escalation ladder.

• Strong work ethic, disciplined and willing to take ownership of one’s work.

• Comfortable working multiple tasks throughout the day and able to prioritize activities to balance immediate and near term production goals

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Clean laboratory or production floor environment in climate-controlled space.

• Work with loose powders and other chemicals requiring use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, lab coats, gloves, closed shoes, and long shirts & pants.  As required, some processes may require wearing a respirator.

• Cleaning of loose powders and other debris & residues from crystal growth equipment.

• Work in close proximity to high temperatures and high voltages.

• Handling high value, hard to repair or replace equipment that directly impacts production throughput & output.

• Occasional lifting of up to 40lbs.

• Good eyesight very helpful for multiple tasks, particularly middle to far (2-6feet) vision

• Good manual dexterity with a delicate touch

• Capacity to step up onto and work on elevated platforms throughout the day.

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.