VP of Research & Development, Transport Subsystems

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Executing on the Optical Subsystem product development funnel within Telecommunications Transport business.
• Leading a team of exceptional engineers (R&D and NPI, located mostly in Shanghai and Fuzhou), with a long and proven track-record of delivering 1) complex high-end optical subsystem products to Tier 1 customers across the world, 2) strong revenues and 3) strong market share position.
• Establishing a small elite team of experienced design authorities, optics/hardware/firmware engineers, and SW architects in North America within the first six months to bolster customer intimacy.
• Growing the R&D team and infrastructure in North America within the first year to become largely self-sufficient in developing and delivering optical subsystem products to domestic customers, demonstrating execution velocity and flexibility.
• Ensuring resiliency across the global R&D organization, eliminating high-risk dependencies and single points of vulnerability (skillsets, personnel, location)
• Aligning with Product Management on Annual Operating Plan and NPI priorities, ensuring all NPI programs are fully resourced and supported to meet committed milestones and deliverables.
• Managing quarterly R&D expenses (headcount, material, and contracting services) within approved annual operating plan budget.
• Shepherding all NPI programs through Coherent’s stage gate process, taking proactive actions as necessary to maintain committed development schedule. 
• Mentoring, coaching, and developing the product development team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering.
• At least 15 years of experience in product development, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex optical subsystem products.
• 10 years of diversified leadership, planning, communication, organization, and people motivation.
• Experience managing a large global R&D team across multiple sites and time zones.
• Strong technical background and ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with customers 
• Passionate about technology, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
• Deep knowledge of optical networks and systems, applications, technologies, and solutions.
• Experience in identifying and pipelining advance technology development ahead of product development.
• Strong organizational, human resource management, and planning skills.
• Experience in identifying and protecting valuable Intellectual Property
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile, and dynamic environment, perform under stress, and be a team player.

Skills

• Inspirational leadership
• Adept at assessing risks early in development programs
• Skilled in identifying and remedying organizational gaps
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
• Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp

Working Conditions

• Travel of roughly 25% will be required to R&D sites and customer visits.

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.