Coherent
Principal Optical Engineer - Specialty Fiber Product Design
Coherent, East Granby, Connecticut, us, 06026
Job Description
Join a high-impact engineering team at the forefront of specialty optical fiber innovation. As Lead Optical Engineer, you will drive the design and characterization of cutting-edge fiber products that serve demanding applications in fiber lasers, optical sensing, and complex assemblies. You will operate in a vertically integrated, technology-driven environment where glass design, process control, and customer-centric support are key differentiators.
This is a high-visibility role that combines deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and direct customer engagement to translate performance requirements into manufacturable fiber products with differentiated market value.
Key Responsibilities
1. Optical Design and Innovation
Design and simulate advanced optical waveguides to meet specific customer and application performance requirements. Drive innovation in fiber geometries, coupling efficiency, and light manipulation using tools like COMSOL, Lumerical, and MATLAB.
2. Product Development and Characterization
Define and execute test protocols to characterize new fiber designs. Collaborate across the Product Design and Process Engineering teams to refine concepts and support the Coherent Phase Gate process through product launch.
3. Technical and Customer Leadership
Act as the technical lead for customer programs, managing cross-functional teams and applying structured problem-solving methods. Mentor engineers and ensure project success through effective planning, execution, and communication.
4. Technology Strategy and Thought Leadership
Contribute to the technical roadmap by publishing findings, presenting at conferences, and supporting intellectual property development through novel fiber design disclosures.
Qualifications
Education Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field (Bachelor's with exceptional experience also considered). Experience
Minimum of 9 years in industry roles involving optical fiber design, fabrication, and characterization or Fiber Laser Demonstrated success in launching new fiber products for
laser systems ,
sensor platforms , or
integrated assemblies . Hands-on expertise in fiber cleaving, splicing, and optical coupling techniques. Technical and Interpersonal Skills
Proficient with simulation and modeling tools (e.g.,
Matlab ,
COMSOL ,
OptiFiber ). Strong analytical mindset; capable of simplifying complex data to guide decisions. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to engage senior stakeholders and customers. Experience managing or mentoring technical contributors in a matrix or project team structure.
Fluent in risk-based decision-making frameworks (e.g.,
OODA , FMEA, tradeoff analyses).
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.:
I ntegrity - Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm - 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.
About Us
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.
Join a high-impact engineering team at the forefront of specialty optical fiber innovation. As Lead Optical Engineer, you will drive the design and characterization of cutting-edge fiber products that serve demanding applications in fiber lasers, optical sensing, and complex assemblies. You will operate in a vertically integrated, technology-driven environment where glass design, process control, and customer-centric support are key differentiators.
This is a high-visibility role that combines deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and direct customer engagement to translate performance requirements into manufacturable fiber products with differentiated market value.
Key Responsibilities
1. Optical Design and Innovation
Design and simulate advanced optical waveguides to meet specific customer and application performance requirements. Drive innovation in fiber geometries, coupling efficiency, and light manipulation using tools like COMSOL, Lumerical, and MATLAB.
2. Product Development and Characterization
Define and execute test protocols to characterize new fiber designs. Collaborate across the Product Design and Process Engineering teams to refine concepts and support the Coherent Phase Gate process through product launch.
3. Technical and Customer Leadership
Act as the technical lead for customer programs, managing cross-functional teams and applying structured problem-solving methods. Mentor engineers and ensure project success through effective planning, execution, and communication.
4. Technology Strategy and Thought Leadership
Contribute to the technical roadmap by publishing findings, presenting at conferences, and supporting intellectual property development through novel fiber design disclosures.
Qualifications
Education Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field (Bachelor's with exceptional experience also considered). Experience
Minimum of 9 years in industry roles involving optical fiber design, fabrication, and characterization or Fiber Laser Demonstrated success in launching new fiber products for
laser systems ,
sensor platforms , or
integrated assemblies . Hands-on expertise in fiber cleaving, splicing, and optical coupling techniques. Technical and Interpersonal Skills
Proficient with simulation and modeling tools (e.g.,
Matlab ,
COMSOL ,
OptiFiber ). Strong analytical mindset; capable of simplifying complex data to guide decisions. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to engage senior stakeholders and customers. Experience managing or mentoring technical contributors in a matrix or project team structure.
Fluent in risk-based decision-making frameworks (e.g.,
OODA , FMEA, tradeoff analyses).
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.:
I ntegrity - Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm - 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.
About Us
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.