Senior Principal Laser Engineer

Coherent Corp., Aerospace & Defense Inc, Emerging Products & Technologies Business Unit is seeking a Sr. Principal Laser Engineer to participate in the development of diode-pumped solid-state lasers.  This laser expert will take a lead role in the laser systems engineering, integration, and test, with a particular focus on technology transfer from the commercial laser business to Coherent Aerospace & Defense for military applications.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead Laser Engineer – Provide optical engineering leadership to internally and externally funded R&D efforts, with a primary focus on advanced laser technology.  Lead the design of complex, innovative, state-of-the-art, solid-state laser systems for military applications. 
• Laser modeling and simulation lead – Conduct detailed modeling diode-pumped solid-state laser systems to improve performance.  Modeling to include all the physics of rare-earth-doped systems and free-space propagation, including thermal lensing.
• Lead technology transfer of laser designs – Lead the transfer of solid-state laser technology from CTO office to business developing laser products for military applications. 
• Intellectual Property – Build Coherent’s IP portfolio by developing innovative optical features during prototype development.

Education & Experience

• M.S. or Ph.D. in optics, applied physics, physics or electrical engineering. 
• Requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree or 9 years of experience with a Ph.D. or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Experience substantially greater than these minima are highly preferred.

Skills

• Must have successfully developed complex laser systems and have broad and deep experience in solid-state laser design.  Must be intimately familiar with the physics of rare-earth-doped lasers and amplifiers from the NIR to the SWIR, bulk-optic cavity design and their components and with the effects limiting laser performance. 
• Must have extensive experience modeling solid-state lasers and amplifiers (e.g. gain shapes, noise figure, cavity designs, stability, dynamics).
• Experience designing complex laser systems for military or space applications is strongly preferred.
• Experience with phased-gated developments and design for volume manufacturing is preferred.
• Must have experience with laser technology transfer, development of assembly instructions and low-rate initial production is desirable.
• Must be a self-starter, able to multi-task, work independently under consultative direction and collaboratively in a matrix managed organization.
• Must have experience leading a group, delegating objectives and tasks to others to achieve goals.
• Must be able to work on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations and data requires evaluation of intangibles.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in Intellectual Property matters is desirable. 
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to apply for a security clearance.

Working Conditions

• Primarily an engineering design and management function with office working conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily an engineering design and management function with few physical requirements.

Safety Requirements

• All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and II-VI Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.
• Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.