Staff NPI Engineer (Laser, Photonics & Automation)

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.


* P...