Member of Technical Staff (MTS) – Laser Design

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology

The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs. 

Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.

We are seeking a highly experienced and self-sufficient laser designer to oversee all aspects of high-power CW DFB laser design for Silicon Photonics applications. This role requires extensive expertise in laser simulation, process integration, and device characterization while providing strategic design guidance to cross-functional teams. The candidate will collaborate closely with internal teams, foundries, and customers with minimal supervision.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high-power CW DFB lasers for Silicon Photonics applications.
• Utilize simulation tools to optimize laser structures and performance.
• Drive process integration efforts, ensuring robust manufacturability and reliability.
• Conduct in-depth device characterization and analyze performance metrics.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Collaborate with internal manufacturing teams and external foundries to execute development programs.
• Engage directly with customers and contractors, managing technical discussions and providing design insights.
• Independently lead laser development projects, driving execution across multiple sites.

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 25 years of experience in semiconductor laser design and development.
• Deep expertise in DFB laser design, simulation, and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of process integration and wafer fabrication.
• Hands-on experience with device characterization and performance analysis.

Skills

• Experience with laser modeling and simulation software (e.g., Ansys, Crosslight).
• Familiarity with reliability and failure analysis methodologies for semiconductor lasers.
• Prior experience working with foundries and managing external collaborations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work remotely with occasional travel to the Bay Area as needed.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

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.

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.