R&D Prototype Engineer

Job Summary: Collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop, fabricate and ship prototypes from advanced ceramic materials.  Continuously improves existing methods in the assigned area of responsibility including materials processing (mixing, furnacing, casting, lapping, etc.). Provides design for manufacturability input for new products and initiates feedback for running product improvements. Interfaces with vendors (tooling, fixtures, test labs, toll machining, equipment OEMs, etc.) and customers.  Executes prototype manufacturing plan including equipment programming tasks.  Transfers new processes and methods to operations, including writing standard work, training manufacturing personnel, specifying equipment and monitoring results.  Participates in Lean, Six-sigma, Kaizen, FMEA, 6S, and yield enhancement activities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, assembly and inspection

• Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composite materials

• Document process and product improvements through experimentation

• Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)

• Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation and conducting training

   

Education & Experience

• BS in Engineering or Science with 0+ years experience 

• AAS in Engineering or Science with relevant experience in materials processing, manufacturing, machining, lapping CNC programming or prototyping 

Preferred Skills & Other Requirements

• Knowledge of advanced materials and processing (ceramics, metal matrix composites, other)

• Knowledge of lapping hard materials or optics

• Knowledge of machining methods, including milling, turning, diamond grinding, EDM, laser and other

• Experience with design software, e.g., CAD (ProE/Creo, SolidWorks, other), CAM (MasterCam, SurfCam, GibbsCam, other), and CMM (PC-DIMS, Calyspo)

• Aptitude for external interfacing with both vendors and customers

• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills

Working Conditions

• Position requires on-site activities for prototype fabrication (this is not a work from home position).
• Work schedule is 5 days, 40 hrs per week, first shift.

Physical Requirements

Hands-on, lab-based job environment:

• Required to frequently lift/push/pull a minimum of 35 lbs
• Must be able to sit, bend, squat and walk about facility
• Depending on project assignment, may be required to walk/stand for entire 8 hour day

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and 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 & 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:

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.