Engineer Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:
Coherent Corp. is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components, and they are seeking a Senior Lab Manager to oversee a customer-facing lab environment. The role involves planning and managing lab operations, collaborating with teams to showcase product capabilities, and providing technical support during customer engagements.
Responsibilities:
• Plan, design, implement, and manage a customer-facing lab environment showcasing networking products and technologies, including servers, network switches, and supporting infrastructure such as monitoring tools
• Define lab requirements, coordinate equipment procurement, and oversee installation, configuration, and operational readiness
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and deliver interactive demonstrations that highlight product capabilities and solutions
• Partner with cross-functional teams to create and maintain passive product displays, including hardware setups and technical signage within the lab
• Lead and support proof-of-concept (POC) trials for key customers focused on optical datacenter and communications products
• Perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and optimization of lab systems and equipment to ensure reliability and relevance
• Engage directly with customers during lab visits, providing technical expertise and coordinating responses to inquiries with internal stakeholders
• Drive customer POC requirements through internal engineering and product teams to ensure successful execution
• Gather and communicate customer feedback to relevant internal teams to inform product improvements and strategy
• Provide technical and customer-facing support at industry events and trade shows as needed
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience); Master’s degree or higher preferred
• 7+ years of experience in the communications and systems industry in technical roles
• Hands-on experience with servers, network equipment, operating systems, and management software required
• Strong problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills in complex environments
• Customer-facing experience is a plus, with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively
• Strong technical and debugging skills related to the installation, configuration, and operation of servers, network switches/devices, and network test and monitoring equipment
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting systems, monitoring tools, and lab test environments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods while installing and maintaining lab equipment
• Comfortable working in a lab and data center environment, including equipment racks and confined spaces
• Ability to use standard tools for installation and maintenance of hardware
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits, lab support
• 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 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.
• Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree or higher preferred
• Customer-facing experience is a plus, with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively
• Familiarity with optical networking equipment is a plus
Company:
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. Founded in 1971, the company is headquartered in Saxonburg, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.