Santa Clara Applications Engineer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Development of new laser-based applications and related solutions which will bring new business opportunities in the material processing market.

• Providing technical sales support in assessing potential application of company products to meet customer needs. This may include occasional travel to a customer site and international travel to Coherent sites.

• Delivering technical report documentation of lab and product management related activities.

• Providing follow-up support in disseminating technical information on specific applications.

• Assisting sales on some pre-sale or post-sale application related problems, in the applications laboratory, or on site.

• Applying laser theory/operation and industrial applications of welding, fusion cutting, surface modification, and other material processing processes.

• Designing and building prototype tooling for the lab and to communicate relevant build specifications to design team to assist with tool builds.

• Training customers on use of equipment and applications in lab or on site.

• 10-20% of travel is expected.

Education & Experience

BS, MS or PhD in Engineering or equivalent discipline.

• Minimum of 2 years for BS, advanced degrees require no experience in laser applications but laser or optics knowledge is required

  • Experience working with lasers, optics or material processing in a laboratory environment and a strong technical knowledge of industrial laser products is a plus.

• Previous experience interacting directly with customers in the sales/pre-sale stage is desirable

Skills & Other Requirements

• Programming knowledge of G-code, and robot language is valuable.

• Competency working with image, vector, and CAD files in programs like SolidWorks, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCad, Cagila 2D/3D, and post-processor programs.

• Working knowledge of tooling, fixturing, and indexing precision mechanical alignment.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills – ability to effectively communicate new ideas or concepts; ability to influence others, without direct authority, to gain support.

• Imaginative & open – can come up with and consider new or unique solutions and approaches to problems; open to considering and trying other’s new or unique ideas or solutions.

Working Conditions

Normal office conditions and laser engineering labs; could be exposed to light dust and noise in lab environments or at customer sites

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods

• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with others to exchange information

• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality & 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.

Employees are required to maintain a quality work environment that is safe, clean, organized and environmentally compliant.

Responsible for maintaining Quality Work Environment housekeeping standards for own work area and community areas.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

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!


Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.