Principal Foundry Quality Engineer
Coherent
Listing collected from Coherent's career site. NextChapter is independent of Coherent.
Fremont, CA · Posted October 5, 2026
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Where Fremont, CA ranks
Where Fremont, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #13Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the West Coast15% · of 66
- #15Best cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast59% · of 71
- #17Best cities for technology pay after cost of living$181k · of 80
- #17Best cities for pay after cost of living in California$152k · of 32
- #17Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the West Coast226 openings · of 60
- #18Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast51 / 100 · of 39
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among software quality assurance analysts and testers, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for software quality assurance analysts and testers: 52% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the development of predictive quality methodologies that align supplier PCM data with Coherent device designs, wafer-level test results, reliability performance, and factory yields. Identify yield and performance issues not detected by foundry PCM monitoring and partner with foundries to implement enhanced test structures, monitoring strategies, and process controls that improve correlation and early detection of manufacturing risks.
Partner with internal engineering teams and external wafer foundries to develop and implement comprehensive foundry quality processes and procedures for Coherent Silicon Photonic PIC Products.
Utilize Quality Metrics and KPIs from die testing and transceiver assembly/test sites to derive predictive quality metrics (e.g. defect density, yield, escapes, corrective action effectiveness) and drive preventive measures internally and from the PIC foundries.
Participate in the Materials Review Board with factory quality and engineering partners to disposition discrepant material and document routine troubleshooting process flows for improved efficiency.
Apply AI and big data techniques to analyze foundry quality data, predict trends, and recommend corrective actions.
Perform quality and process audits of new and existing foundries to assess compliance to industry standards and assess product quality and reliability risk.
Lead root cause investigations and collaborate with process integration, device engineering, reliability, and foundry teams to implement corrective actions, drive specification changes, resolve process issues, and manage material disposition through the CCB process.
Participate in new product design for quality and reliability (DfQnR) reviews and Failure Mode Effects and Analysis (FMEA).
Support PIC qualification activities for new PIC products, foundry qualifications, and ongoing improvements.
Education & Experience
BS/MS/PhD in Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field.
5+ years of experience in CMOS or Silicon Photonics foundry process technology development, foundry technology interface, or related fields and technology nodes.
Skills
Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp within the US and Asia counterparts.
Excellent communication skills and ability to influence individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency in Semiconductor Device Physics and Defect Mechanism analysis.
Proficiency in analytical tools for data analysis and MS Office
Familiarity with optical device manufacturing preferred, including: Lasers
Modulators
Photodetectors
Optical switches
Co-packaged optics
Optical transceivers
Working Conditions
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Office environment with regular interaction in laboratory and manufacturing settings.
Occasional domestic and international travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites may be required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including extended periods of sitting, standing, and use of standard lab equipment.
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.:
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – 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.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com .
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.