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Staff NPI Engineer (Laser, Photonics & Automation)

COHERENT

Wilsonville, ORFull-time$110–131K/yrTracked 1mo agoSeen in employer's feed 5 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$110–131K/yr
Location
Wilsonville, OR
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Bachelor's degree

Job overview

COHERENT is hiring a Staff NPI Engineer (Laser, Photonics & Automation). The Staff NPI Engineer will lead the transition of new laser and photonic products from R&D to scalable, high-volume manufacturing. This role involves coordinating manufacturing readiness, line setup, and ensuring smooth phase-gate transitions. The engineer will also develop and deploy robust automated test and calibration systems for laser modules and measurement products in a production environment.

Key focus areas include Lead and support new product introductions from Design release through Pilot ramp, Coordinate manufacturing readiness, line setup, and ensure smooth phase-gate transitions, and Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering teams.

Successful candidates bring B.S. In Optics, B.S. In Physics, and B.S. In Electrical Engineering. Important skills include NPI Project Execution, Design For Manufacturability Feedback, Diagnose And Resolve Product And Manufacturing Issues, Structured Corrective Action, Estimate Manufacturing Costs, and Determine Tooling Requirements.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

NPI Project ExecutionDesign for Manufacturability FeedbackDiagnose and Resolve Product and Manufacturing IssuesStructured Corrective ActionEstimate Manufacturing CostsDetermine Tooling RequirementsDetermine Process RequirementsPresent Project UpdatesProposing and Justifying Capital and Expense ExpendituresDevelop and Deploy Automated Test and Calibration SystemsImplement Automation for Laser CharacterizationImplement Automation for Optical AlignmentImplement Automation for CalibrationImplement Automation for Burn-InImplement Automation for Final TestImplement High-Precision Motion Control SystemsDevelop/Support Robotic Pick-and-Place SystemsInterface With Motion ControllersInterface With Power MetersInterface With SpectrometersInterface With Temperature ControllersInterface With Vision SystemsInterface With DAQ HardwareEnsure Automation Solutions Are RobustIncorporate Appropriate Safety MeasuresSelf-TroubleshootingEfficient and Intuitive User InterfaceEstablish Communication Between Test Systems and MES/ERP/SQL DatabasesImplement Automated Data LoggingImplement Automated Data AnalysisImplement Automated Data VisualizationEnsure Proper Version ControlDocumentationConfiguration Management of Automation SoftwareOpto-Mechanical AssemblyLaser/Photonics Test EquipmentAutomated Optical Alignment SystemsDeveloping Automated Test SystemsInstrument Control via DAQInstrument Control via VISAInstrument Control via GPIBInstrument Control via EthernetInstrument Control via Serial InterfacesIntegrating Test Systems With MES/ERP PlatformsTransitioning Products Into High-Mix and/or Volume ProductionStrong Structured Problem-SolvingProject Execution SkillsUnderstanding of How Automation Can Be Used to Optimize KPIsInterpersonal SkillsTeaming Skills

Qualifications

B.S. In OpticsB.S. In PhysicsB.S. In Electrical EngineeringB.S. In MechatronicsB.S. In Software EngineeringB.S. In Related DisciplineM.S. In OpticsM.S. In PhysicsM.S. In Electrical EngineeringM.S. In MechatronicsM.S. In Software EngineeringM.S. In Related Discipline

Full job description

Coherent’s Laser Systems and Measurement division designs and manufactures precision solid-state lasers, laser diode systems, multi-laser light engines, and calibrated laser measurement systems.

We are seeking a highly technical and hands-on Staff NPI Engineer to lead the transition of new laser and photonic products from R&D to scalable, high-volume manufacturing and hand over to Production and Sustaining Engineering.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

NPI Project Execution

  • Lead and support new product introductions from Design release through Pilot ramp.

  • Coordinate manufacturing readiness, line setup, and ensure smooth phase-gate transitions.

  • Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering teams.

  • Diagnose and resolve product and manufacturing issues with structured corrective action.

  • Estimate manufacturing costs, determine tooling, and process requirements of new product lines.

  • Present regular project updates including metrics, schedules, risks, and mitigation plans.

  • Proposing and justifying capital and expense expenditures necessary to provide new production capability.

Automation, Robotics & Motion Control

  • Develop and deploy robust automated test and calibration systems for laser modules and measurement products in a production environment.

  • Implement automation for laser characterization, optical alignment, calibration, burn-in, and final test.

  • Implement high-precision motion control systems for optical alignment, calibration, and active alignment processes.

  • Develop/support robotic pick-and-place systems for precision opto-mechanical assembly.

  • Interface with motion controllers, power meters, spectrometers, temperature controllers, vision systems, and DAQ hardware.

  • Ensure automation solutions are robust, incorporate appropriate safety measures, and are self-troubleshooting with efficient and intuitive user interface.

  • Establish communication between test systems and MES/ERP/SQL databases.

  • Implement automated data logging, analysis, and visualization to monitor yield and process performance.

  • Ensure proper version control, documentation, and configuration management of automation software.

Automation platforms may include:

  • LabVIEW / NI TestStand

  • Python (PyVISA, PyDAQmx, instrument drivers, automation frameworks)

  • LabWindows/CVI

  • C# / .NET-based test frameworks

  • Other industrial automation environments

Education & Experience

  • B.S. or M.S. in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or related discipline.

  • 6 years’ experience in NPI, product, manufacturing, or test engineering within lasers, optics, photonics, or related high-tech industries.

  • Strong hands-on experience with optical alignment, opto-mechanical assembly, and laser/photonics test equipment.

  • Experience in automated optical alignment systems.

  • Proven experience developing automated test systems using LabVIEW, Python, LabWindows/CVI, C#, or similar environments.

  • Experience with instrument control via DAQ, VISA, GPIB, Ethernet, or serial interfaces.

  • Experience integrating test systems with MES/ERP platforms.

  • Experience transitioning products into high-mix and/or volume production.

Skills

  • Strong structured problem-solving and project execution skills.

  • Strong understanding of how automation can be used to optimize KPIs in high-tech manufacturing environments

  • Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.

  • Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.

Working Conditions

  • Normal Business Hours M-F

  • On-site

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.:

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 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.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected] .

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ABOUT US

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.

Job Identification: 2011361

Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $109,500 - $130,570 per year

LinkedIn: #LI-JF1

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