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Principal NPI Engineer

Coherent · Sunnyvale, CA

Apply on Coherent ↗
Level
Senior
Team
Manufacturing
Industry
Industrial
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior manufacturing role at Coherent (industrial) in Sunnyvale, CA. A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome.

Tools it names
Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), EHS / safety

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $111k–$173k.

Median of the low and high ends of 165 live postings that list pay, out of 443 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 442 other live manufacturing postings in California.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $109k–$159k, from 144 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Not stated

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • Tooling 50%
  • ✓ New product launch 45%
  • ✓ Root cause 37%
  • Automation 34%
  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 26%
  • Machining 26%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for EHS / safety, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Coherent

    We found 3 people at this company and state: 3 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Jack → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
    • How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Coherent in Sunnyvale

5 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in manufacturing roles at Coherent.

Full description from CoherentAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Support NPI lifecycle for OCS products, including engineering builds, design verification, qualification, and manufacturing ramp.
  • ◆Work with cross-functional teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and reliability

requirements

are incorporated into product development.

  • ✓Coordinate engineering builds and support prototype assembly, debug, and validation activities.
  • ✓Develop and optimize assembly processes with work instructions, and process documentation for manufacturing.
  • ✓Provide engineering support to manufacturing during early production ramp.
  • ✓Drive continuous improvement initiatives for process capability, product quality, and production efficiency.

Education & Experience

  • ✓PhD with 1+ year experience in fiber optics, optical modules, or optical switching systems is strongly preferred.

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

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 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.

Show full description ↓

Skills

  • •Strong understanding of fiber optic components and optical systems, including fiber arrays, collimators, optical alignment, and optical coupling.
  • •Hands-on experience with precision optical assembly and alignment processes.
  • •Experience with optical testing and characterization tools
  • •Knowledge of optical packaging, adhesive bonding, UV curing, and environmental sealing.
  • •Experience supporting NPI builds and transition from development to manufacturing.
  • •Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
  • •Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced development environment.
  • •Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
  • •Proficient with data analysis and reporting tools

Working Conditions

  • •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

Physical

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