Director of Engineering

The Director of Engineering will be responsible for leading and coordinating Optical Engineering efforts across our Aerospace and Defense businesses in California, with manufacturing in Richmond, Tustin, and Murrieta.  This critical and highly visible leadership position is responsible for various engineering efforts including design of optomechanical assemblies, including reflective and refractive telescopes, design and build of custom optical fabrication and test equipment, development of large multi-spectral precision optical window assemblies, as well as general sustaining engineering and problem-solving efforts. 

The Director of Engineering is a member of the leadership team, reporting to the Optical Systems Division VP & General Manager.  Successful candidates will be expected to drive business performance by leading from the front, help the team to win future business by compelling customers, and contribute critical inputs to the product management and operations teams for business planning.  While the primary focus is within the business division, there are many opportunities for partnership and collaboration across the enterprise. These manufacturing sites deliver products for a variety of defense applications, primarily for U.S. Government prime contractors, the U.S. Military and other aerospace OEMs.   Our projects span a wide-variety of applications that support mission areas including Airborne ISR and targeting, as well as space-based remote sensing, among others. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to make compelling presentations for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Well versed in technical documentation and engineering change controls.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and have experience using analytical tools.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000 and AS9100 quality standards.
• Well-versed in mission requirements for space-based sensors.
• Lead the organization responsible for engineering design and development of high-performance optical components and assemblies.
• Responsible for aligning the engineering team’s goals to the strategic objectives of the business.
• Responsible for developing and implementing an optimized organizational structure, workforce planning and performance management of the engineering team. 
• Create and adhere to workable timelines and budgets for all design and development activities.
• Responsible for the effective handoff of new product development to the operations team.
• Lead and actively participate in engineering problem solving efforts.
• Drive innovation in precision optical component fabrication and material processing to maintain industry leadership.
• Identify, develop, enhance, and implement phased gate management controls.
• Assist the product management team in the process of responding to opportunities and RFPs brought in by the sales force; make sound and strategic technical bid / no-bid decisions that ensure viability of the business.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Operations to define, refine and negotiate specifications to ensure the company’s ability to meet customer commitments and achieve financial objectives.
• Lead the engineering aspects of design-to-specification contracts, manufacturing production and testing equipment process development, as well as driving internal R&D projects.
• Ensure that metrology and buyoff methods used by operations are sufficient to meet in-process and final product requirements.
• Develop strategic plans to standardize methods of design, processes and assembly where appropriate.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement activities for the business.
• Working with the site leadership team, aid in developing multi-year strategic plans and budgets
• Implement digital tools for data collection; analyze trends and drive continual improvements based on data

Education & Experience

• Educational background in Science or Engineering related degrees with industrial experience in optics, optical systems, or related fields. 
• Significant career experience in the design and fabrication of complex and high-performance optical components and assemblies, ideally as used in space-based or airborne applications. 
• Experienced in optical fabrication and metrology, as well as design for manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in taking optical designs into production.

Skills

• Demonstrated track record in an engineering leadership position, with the ability to build an effective team and promote a positive workplace environment.
• Familiarity with optical and opto-mechanical engineering, optical metrology, and materials science of common infrared optical materials. Familiarity with optical design and analysis software.
• Working experience with a variety of optical fabrication technologies.
• Experienced self-starter that possesses organizational skills to motivate a diverse set of technical individuals to act as a well-aligned team in the pursuit of new business.

Working Conditions

• Standard office working conditions

Physical Requirements

• Standard professional office working conditions with light manufacturing environments

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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. person, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."