Materials Process Development Engineer

Coherent Corp. is advancing semiconductor packaging and thermal management through materials and manufacturing process innovation. In this onsite role in Saxonburg, PA, you will develop and optimize advanced processes by integrating ceramic and diamond materials with semiconductor components, supporting everything from experiment design to manufacturing readiness.

What you’ll do

• Support development and manufacturing of products and materials for advanced semiconductor packaging, including thermal spreaders and advanced ceramic and diamond materials.
• Design and execute experiments to support process development, characterization, and qualification activities.
• Develop and optimize joining and bonding processes for ceramic and diamond materials, including surface preparation, cleaning, polishing, plasma treatment, metallization, bonding, soldering, brazing, and other interfacial technologies.
• Operate, qualify, and maintain manufacturing and characterization equipment used in process development.
• Perform materials and surface characterization using metrology and analytical tools to evaluate mechanical, physical, thermal, and bond-interface properties.
• Analyze technical data to assess process performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support engineering decisions.
• Lead technical development projects by coordinating activities, tracking progress, and communicating results.
• Collaborate with internal R&D and engineering teams to support customer prototypes and transition technologies to manufacturing readiness.
• Support patent development, technical documentation, and government-funded development programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline (materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, semiconductor engineering, thermal engineering, or similar) required.
• Master’s degree in a related engineering or scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years with a Master’s degree; or a PhD without years experience; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in process development, materials engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with advanced materials processing and ceramic or diamond bonding, direct bonding technologies, semiconductor fabrication, thermal management materials, or process characterization techniques preferred.
• Knowledge of advanced materials, including ceramic and diamond materials and thermal management material systems.
• Experience with process development, optimization, and characterization in an R&D or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and surface preparation techniques.
• Proficiency with metrology and characterization tools for thermal, mechanical, and physical measurements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret technical data and drive process improvements.
• Experience designing and executing experiments and validating process performance.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and familiarity with JMP or similar software.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including managing multiple technical activities and meeting project milestones.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary R&D and engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently with sound engineering judgment, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Technologies

• JMP
• Metrology and analytical tools

ITAR and EAR requirements

• Must be eligible to access and work with export-controlled information and technology in compliance with ITAR and EAR.
• Must comply with all applicable U.S. government regulations, company policies, and customer requirements related to export-controlled data and products.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, technical, and sensitive information.
• Must complete required training and certifications related to export compliance, safety, quality, and security requirements.

Working conditions

• Work performed in laboratory, cleanroom, office, and manufacturing environments.
• Regular use of manufacturing, process development, and characterization equipment.
• Exposure to equipment noise, controlled environments, and typical laboratory conditions for R&D operations.
• Combination of hands-on laboratory work and office-based engineering activities.

Physical requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for several hours per day.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing engineering, data analysis, and documentation activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills and attention to detail.

Safety and quality

• Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent corporate EHS standards.
• Depending on location, may be responsible for execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and/or other applicable standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture commitment (ICARE)

• 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