Lead Engineer, NPI, Project

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Project Management & NPI Execution

• Lead and coordinate NPI projects from development through production readiness, ensuring project milestones, schedules, and deliverables are achieved

• Establish, implement and optimize production planning workflows for new products

• Develop, review and maintain manufacturing and quality documentation including SOP/WI, process flow charts, FMEA documentation, Control Plans, and related production documents

• Organize and facilitate cross-functional meetings and document meeting outcomes, and follow up on action items to ensure timely completion

• Coordinate engineering changes (ECN, ECO, MCO, and DCO), support process validation, pilot builds, engineering builds, and production transfer activities to ensure a smooth transition into mass production

Continuous Improvement & Quality Systems

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency, workflow effectiveness, documentation quality, and process standardization

• Support customer audits, internal audits, process reviews, and qualification activities related to NPI and manufacturing operations

• Ensure all project and manufacturing documentation complies with company standards, customer requirements, and applicable quality management system requirements

New Product Evaluation and Validation

• Review customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements for assembly products to ensure completeness, manufacturability, and compliance with project requirements

• Evaluate optical and mechanical tolerances to assess manufacturability, product performance, and compliance with customer specifications and applicable industry standards

• Perform additional duties or special assignments as directed by the Line Manager

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science is required
• Major in Physics, Physical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field is preferred
• An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) is an advantage

Experience & Skills

• Minimum relevant experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree: 7 years

  • Master’s degree: 5 years

  • Ph.D.: 3 years;

• Experience in NPI or Engineering within an international manufacturing environment is required. Experience in optics, optical communications, lasers, or optoelectronics is preferred

• Experience in the development or manufacturing of optical components, optical assemblies, optomechanical modules, or optical systems is highly preferred

• Proven experience in developing and maintaining manufacturing and quality documentation including SOPs, work instructions, process flows, and related documents

• Solid understanding of production planning, manufacturing processes, quality systems and ERP systems

• Experience working in or supporting an Export Processing Enterprise (EPE) is preferred

• Strong project coordination, planning, and organization skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Working Conditions

• Work with advanced optical technologies and high-precision measurement equipment
• Perform regular hands-on work with manufacturing and metrology instruments
• Work may take place in specialized workshops, cleanrooms, and standard office environments
• Occasional travel may be required for training or collaboration at overseas facilities

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.