Manufacturing Engineer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Drive manufacturing process improvements for Budd Lake production operations focused on reducing manufacturing variance, absorption variance, and product cost.
• Analyze production data, routings, labor standards, yields, scrap, rework, and capacity utilization to identify and execute margin improvement opportunities.
• Lead cycle time reduction, throughput improvement, and labor content optimization projects for key product families including Sapphire and YVO4.
• Develop, maintain, and improve process documentation including work instructions, routers, travelers, BOMs, process flows, capacity models, and PFMEAs.
• Evaluate and improve material utilization, WIP flow, inventory turns, and production planning alignment to reduce future excess and obsolete inventory exposure.
• Design, qualify, and implement tooling, fixtures, automation, robotics, and error-proofing solutions to improve safety, consistency, yield, and scalability.
• Apply AI-enabled tools, analytics, dashboards, and predictive methods to improve process visibility, anomaly detection, standard work adherence, and decision speed.
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, root cause analysis, and process capability methods to stabilize processes and deliver measurable results.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, and Engineering to improve routing accuracy, labor absorption, cost models, and production execution.
• Support investigation and resolution of yield losses, scrap, rework, MRB issues, and process escapes with timely corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead validation, qualification, and implementation of new or revised manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and control plans.
• Identify, justify, and manage capital and continuous improvement projects that improve throughput, capacity, quality, and gross margin performance.
• Train production personnel on updated processes, automated systems, robotics work cells, AI-enabled tools, and standard work requirements.

Education & Experience

• BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or other relevant technical degree.
• 5+ years' experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, industrial engineering, or production operations within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience reducing manufacturing cost through cycle time reduction, yield improvement, labor efficiency, material utilization, scrap reduction, and routing accuracy.
• Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, FMEA/PFMEA, process capability, root cause analysis, and corrective action methods.
• Experience developing and maintaining manufacturing documentation including routers, travelers, work instructions, BOMs, process flows, standard labor assumptions, and control plans.
• Working knowledge of automation, robotics, machine integration, data acquisition, and manufacturing systems used to improve process repeatability and throughput.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and data analysis/reporting platforms; ability to interpret ERP/MRP, production, quality, and cost data to drive action.

Skills

• Experience supporting optical, crystal, ceramic, sapphire, YVO4, or other precision component manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience implementing automation, robotics, vision systems, AI-enabled analytics, or machine learning tools in a manufacturing environment.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, SME, ASQ, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• Experience building cost models, capacity models, labor standards, OEE/throughput dashboards, or variance reduction scorecards.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with ability to influence Operations, Quality, Planning, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance without direct authority.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, organization, and follow-through skills with a bias toward measurable business results.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly walk throughout manufacturing, assembly, test, coating, polishing, and warehouse areas.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 4-8 hours per day) while supporting production activities, process observations, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, tooling, fixtures, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and climb ladders or step stools as required to support manufacturing equipment and process improvements.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, monitors, and engineering software for extended periods.
• Ability to perform detailed visual inspections and review technical data, drawings, procedures, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to work in cleanroom, laboratory, and manufacturing environments while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, smocks, and protective footwear.
• Ability to support manufacturing activities in environments that may include moving machinery, vibration, noise, and exposure to chemicals used in optical manufacturing processes while following established safety procedures.
• Ability to occasionally work flexible hours to support production needs, equipment installations, process qualifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.