Process Engineering Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Process Engineering Leadership and Manufacturing Support

• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and technical oversight to the Process Engineering team.
• Ensure manufacturing issues related to coating, assembly, testing, and production processes are promptly identified, investigated, and resolved to minimize disruption and maintain operational efficiency.
• Oversee the analysis and evaluation of manufacturing and test data to ensure product quality, process capability, and compliance with customer requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and support to Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and other cross-functional teams as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance, product quality, productivity, and cost competitiveness.

New Product and Process Development

• Lead the design, development, qualification, validation, and documentation of new products and manufacturing processes in accordance with ISO requirements and business objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of manufacturing equipment, tooling, and support systems that meet safety, quality, capability, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure process designs, specifications, and manufacturing methods are accurate, sustainable, and aligned with company engineering standards and best practices.
• Support successful transfer of new products and processes from development into full-scale production.

Engineering and Technology Advancement

• Direct engineering resources toward the development and implementation of innovative technologies that support business growth, operational excellence, and market leadership.
• Facilitate the effective transition of new technologies, products, and processes into commercial manufacturing operations.
• Support the protection and management of intellectual property, including the identification and safeguarding of trade secrets and proprietary technologies.
• Evaluate and implement engineering software, hardware, automation, and analytical tools that improve capabilities, reduce cycle times, and lower costs.

Quality, Compliance, and Documentation

• Ensure all products, processes, procedures, and documentation comply with applicable ISO standards, quality requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Promote and maintain the highest standards of quality, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and business performance.
• Ensure manufacturing and engineering activities support a safe work environment and comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, records, reports, and process metrics.

People Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead performance management activities, including goal setting, development planning, performance feedback, and annual performance reviews.
• Develop and execute training and skill-development plans to enhance employee capability, productivity, and succession readiness.
• Manage staffing activities, including recruitment, selection, promotion, coaching, corrective action, and employee relations matters, in a fair and consistent manner.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, technology control plans, export control requirements, intellectual property protections, information technology standards, and quality procedures.
• Serve as a role model for ethical conduct, professionalism, leadership, quality, customer focus, and business results.
• Build and maintain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that supports employee engagement and organizational success.

Education & Experience

• BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or equivalent).

• 15+ years’ experience in optical thin film manufacturing.
• 10+ years managing a team of engineers.
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware.
• Experience in electrical and mechanical systems.
• Extensive experience in electro-mechanical assembly and troubleshooting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering specifications and drawings.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Email, internet access and the ability to develop tools and/or special applications within these packages.

Skills & Other Requirements

• People Leader
• Building, Developing and Managing a Successful Team
• Customer Focus
• Establishing Strategic Direction
• Facilitating Change, Leadership
• Planning and Organizing
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making and Continuous Improvement,
• Professional and Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Results Oriented
• Teamwork and Conflict Management

Safety Requirements

Eployees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and COHERENT Corporate EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

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:

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient and effective process engineering practices.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of optical thin film manufacturing processes, ensuring they meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and quality control, to optimize processes and enhance overall operational efficiency.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in optical thin film manufacturing, vacuum deposition systems, and associated hardware.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies, maintaining a safe and environmentally conscious work environment.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify process inefficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve productivity and quality.
• Prepare and present process engineering reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively to meet production targets and timelines.

Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or equivalent) is required.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in optical thin film manufacturing is essential.
• 10+ years of experience managing a team of engineers, demonstrating strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum deposition systems and associated hardware, with a proven track record of optimizing processes.
• Experience in electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to understand and interpret complex engineering specifications and drawings.
• Comprehensive knowledge of optical engineering principles and practices, including design, fabrication, and testing.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify process bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for process engineering, such as CAD/CAM systems and data analysis software.
• A proactive and results-driven approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for innovation.

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.