Optical Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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.:

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.