Senior Principal Optoelectronics Engineer
Coherent
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Fremont, CA · Posted July 28, 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
AI use among engineers, all other is little observed so far. Measured exposure for engineers, all other: 7% (little observed).
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.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Model and design silicon photonics based laser with III-V gain materials, including InP Quantum Well (QW) and GaAs Quantum Dot (QD).
Work closely with III-V gain material teams in characterizing laser gain material parameters, optimizing device performance, and preparing samples for laser manufacturing.
Work closely with silicon photonics design teams in defining laser parameters, simulating laser performance, and working out silicon photonics laser processing procedures.
Collaborate with foundries and process teams in III_V integration onto silicon, laser fabrication, testing, problem solving, and performance optimization
Collaborate with Product Line Management and R&D Management to generate development schedules that achieve key project milestones, NPI deliverables, business requirements, and customer satisfaction.
Manage CPO/NPO products through R&D NPI Phase Gate process, meet NPI deliverable, and deliver qualified products to the global Operations team.
Light travel for development activities: supplier engagement, design improvement, process development, and problem solving.
Education & Experience
MS/PhD in an engineering or science discipline plus 5+ years of relevant experience
Experience with semiconductor laser design and silicon photonics.
Experience with CPO, optical transceivers or components desirable.
Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and/or Product Lifecycle Management processes
Experience of managing cross-functional teams successfully, interacting with a broad range of functions, skills, cultures, and personalities.
Skills & Other Requirements
Previous experience as an engineer in laser and silicon photonics R&D.
Strong problem solving, critical thinking, and risk management skills.
Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills.
Highly self-motivated with a strong multi-disciplinary background is essential.
Working Conditions
This position is on-site full time.
May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs
Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and 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.
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 .
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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.