Materials Process Development Engineer

Job Summary:
The Materials Process Development Engineer develops products and optimizes advanced manufacturing processes for semiconductor packaging and other thermal management applications. This role focuses on the integration of ceramic and diamond materials with semiconductor components, including bonding and other joining methods. Working closely with internal R&D and engineering teams, the engineer designs and executes experiments, evaluates process performance, commissions equipment, and develops manufacturing solutions that support new product and technology development. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the development and manufacturing of products and materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging, including thermal spreaders and advanced ceramic and diamond materials.
• Design and execute experiments to support process development, characterization, and qualification activities.
• Develop and optimize joining and bonding processes for ceramic and diamond materials, including surface preparation, cleaning, polishing, plasma treatment, metallization, bonding, soldering, brazing, and other interfacial technologies.
• Operate, qualify, and maintain manufacturing and characterization equipment used in process development activities.
• Perform materials and surface characterization using metrology and analytical tools to assess mechanical, physical, thermal, and bond-interface properties.
• Analyze technical data to assess process performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support engineering decisions.
• Lead technical development projects by coordinating activities, tracking progress, and communicating results.
• Collaborate with internal R&D and engineering teams to develop customer prototypes and transition technologies to manufacturing readiness.

• Support patent development, technical documentation, and government-funded development programs.

  Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, semiconductor engineering, thermal engineering, or a related technical discipline required. 
• Master's degree in a related engineering or scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without years experience; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in process development, materials engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.

• Experience with advanced materials processing, ceramic or diamond bonding, direct bonding technologies, semiconductor fabrication, thermal management materials, or process characterization techniques preferred.

  Skills & Other Requirements

• Knowledge of advanced materials, including ceramic and diamond materials, thermal management materials, and related engineered material systems.
• Experience with process development, optimization, and characterization in an R&D or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and surface preparation techniques.
• Proficiency with metrology and characterization tools for thermal, mechanical, and physical measurements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical data and drive process improvements.
• Experience designing and executing experiments and validating process performance.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and familiarity with JMP or similar software.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple technical activities and meet project milestones.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary R&D and engineering teams.

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and maintain a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

   

• ITAR and EAR Requirements

• Must be eligible to access and work with export-controlled information and technology in compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Ability to comply with all applicable U.S. government regulations, company policies, and customer requirements related to export-controlled data and products.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, technical, and sensitive information.

• Ability to complete required training and certifications related to export compliance, safety, quality, and security requirements.

   

• Working Conditions

• Work is performed in laboratory, cleanroom, office, and manufacturing environments.
• Regular use of manufacturing, process development, and characterization equipment.
• Exposure to equipment noise, controlled environments, and laboratory conditions typical of R&D operations.

• Combination of hands-on laboratory work and office-based engineering activities.

   

• Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for several hours per day.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing engineering, data analysis, and documentation activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills and attention to detail.

   

  Safety Requirements

• All employees are required to follow site EHS procedures and Coherent corporate EHS standards.

   

  Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

• Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and/or other applicable standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

   

  Culture Commitment

  Ensure adherence to the 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.