Process R&D Engineer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Materials Research and Process Development
• Materials R&D projects are conceived, structured, proposed, and promoted that support CTS’s strategic objectives.
• Approved projects are guided, conducted and managed to support customer requirements and/or CTS’s strategic objectives. 
• Innovative approaches are brainstormed, critiqued and implemented to overcome barriers to achieve project goals
• New/improved materials are developed and improved with production scalability in mind defining the processes in depth with procedure documentations, cost estimates, equipment and infrastructure requirements
• New/improved materials and processes are advanced from R&D to production, including assisting and actively participating with qualification processes by leading QRB effort
• Downstream production processes outside the core competency are learned over time to identify opportunities for development and process improvement project ideas. 
• Participates in problem solving teams to assist other departments in the areas of subject matter expertise whether it is external customer related or internal production problems
• Participates in technical community activities, such as Engineering Brown Bag Lunches, training, technical presentations
• Helps shape internal technology roadmaps in subject matter expertise areas
• Coherent IP generation is actively pursued with ideas and concepts being routinely documented and submitted through an online patent portal for Patent Committee Review. 
• Competing material technologies and IP are understood in comparison with CTS’s capabilities and know-how developed. 
• Business Operations
• Internally and externally funded research projects are managed based on budgets and schedules for the associated tasks defined. 
• Contributes to annual budgeting/re-budgeting process if required 
• Resources are used judiciously to meet group objectives in a timely manner
• Demonstrates a high standard of ethics, professionalism, competency, and quality
• Participate in internal audit activities to support organizational effectiveness as lead auditor if assigned after formal training completed
• Time Management, Record Keeping and Identification of Opportunities, Personal Development
• Identifies Departmental needs to create new projects for materials and process development ideas after interacting with operators/technicians/engineers throughout the company. 
• Projects results are documented in internal technical library in the form of technical reporting.
• Timecards complete daily and correctly for the activities and weekly project updates are completed on time prior to weekly meeting.
• Conduct periodic training of technicians/operators for the processes and provide support for cross training activities around expertise/skills
• Participates in and leads training opportunities, including Engineering Brown Bag Lunches to learn other skills in relation thermoelectric materials and applications. 
• Follows literature in the field of processing and development of thermoelectric materials and semiconductor materials to prepare internal reports, presentations and internal research activities.
• Attends external conferences, workshops, etc. to enhance knowledge and understanding in thermoelectric materials technology and related fields.
• Develops and maintains Goals

Education & Experience

• MS or higher technical degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry with emphasis on Materials Development and Applied Processing Research.  
• Minimum 5+ years applicable experience in engineering/scientific role with internal and external report writing and publication experience. 
• Experience working with Thermoelectric material processing is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Ability to work with little supervision and to manage assigned tasks and projects effectively. 
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex materials and thermoelectric-related problems and research solutions in the public domain as well as creating/ developing innovative solutions
• Ability to leverage knowledge and experience and apply it to solve problems resourcefully
• Effectively manages multiple priorities and projects
• Ability to teach and train others within work group and other groups
• Ability to work with other member of Coherent Corp. to teach and learn in cross-organizational teams
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills 
• Proficient computer skills, experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Email, internet access and the ability to develop tools and/or special applications within these packages.
• Due to ITAR compliance, this position requires strict compliance with security requirements and restriction 

Working Conditions

• Good working conditions. Occasional exposure to noise, dust, heat, etc. Some elements present which make conditions less desirable than usually found in an office such as partial exposure to production environment.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to lift 10kg of materials to move it around the factory/RD lab floor and ability to reach around various production and research equipment to trouble shoot issues and perform quick calibration and maintenance if needed.

Safety Requirements

• All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent 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.