Principal Reliability and Quality Engineer; Optical Systems

Job Description

• Lead reliability strategy development for new optical product platforms, ensuring robust design and manufacturability from early architecture stages through production ramp.
• Collaborate closely with optical designers, mechanical engineers, process engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to identify technical risks and implement mitigation plans to prevent product failures.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and failure analysis activities, using physics‑of‑failure principles and structured problem‑solving techniques (8D, DMAIC, etc.).
• Drive quality improvements through process optimization, data‑driven decision‑making, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC).
• Establish and improve quality systems, procedures, and metrics suitable for a dynamic, startup‑oriented environment while maintaining compliance with corporate and industry standards.
• Define and execute comprehensive qualification and validation plans to ensure product robustness, lifetime performance, and compliance with internal and customer reliability requirements.
• Develop and implement reliability test methodologies, including accelerated life testing, environmental stress screening, HALT/HASS, and aging studies.
• Analyze reliability data using statistical methods to estimate lifetime performance, failure rates, and confidence levels; communicate findings to technical and executive stakeholders.
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate process capability, manufacturing readiness, and long‑term reliability risks.
• Support production ramp activities, ensuring scalability, yield improvement, and sustained reliability performance.

• B.S., M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in reliability and quality engineering focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience supporting products through NPI and high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in fast‑paced or startup environments preferred.

• Strong technical understanding of optical systems including lasers, optical switching, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Expertise in reliability statistics, Weibull analysis, accelerated life testing, and physics‑of‑failure methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with failure analysis techniques such as cross‑sectioning, SEM, material analysis, and electrical/optical characterization.
• Proven track record in process improvement, yield enhancement, and implementation of quality management systems.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear, actionable recommendations for cross‑functional teams and leadership.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams and suppliers.
• Self‑driven, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.

• Office environment with regular interaction in laboratory and manufacturing settings.
• Occasional domestic and international travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites may be required.

Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including extended periods of sitting, standing, and use of standard lab equipment.

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

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

• 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…