Manager Laser Applications Engineer Jobs in California

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development of next-generation InP-based semiconductor laser products for data communication applications.
• Provide technical leadership for laser architecture, device design, and performance optimization.
• Drive product development programs from concept through qualification and production release.
• Lead cross-functional development efforts involving epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, characterization, reliability, and manufacturing.
• Interface directly with customers to understand requirements, communicate technical progress, and influence product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with external partners, foundries, contractors, and suppliers to accelerate development activities.
• Mentor engineers and help develop future technical leaders within the organization.
• Support technology roadmap development, strategic planning, and technical decision-making.
• Drive execution of multiple development programs simultaneously while balancing technical risk, schedule, resources, and customer commitments.
• Depending on organizational needs, directly manage engineers and provide leadership in hiring, performance management, career development, and organizational growth.

Education & Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field. 
• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor laser development. 
• 5+ years of technical leadership experience.

Skills

• Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics, including DFB lasers, waveguide design, optical confinement, grating design, and device performance optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop semiconductor laser products from concept through volume production.
• Strong understanding of the interactions between device design, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, assembly, reliability, and manufacturing.
• Experience with device modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Ansys, Crosslight, FIMMWAVE, Lumerical, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions in situations with incomplete information and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional development programs involving multiple engineering disciplines and sites.
• Ability to effectively mentor engineers and develop technical talent.
• Experience interacting directly with strategic customers and translating customer requirements into product specifications and development plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and executive audiences.
• Ability to balance long-term technology development with short-term business and customer needs.
• Demonstrated ownership, urgency, and execution in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Prior people-management experience is desirable but not required. Candidates with exceptional technical leadership experience and demonstrated ability to develop engineers will also be considered.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA. 

• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel to other sites may be necessary.
• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

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.:

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 status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.