Manufacturing Engineer - Crystal Growth Operations
Coherent · Budd Lake, NJ
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Production
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 9 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level production role at Coherent (industrial) in Budd Lake, NJ. A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome.
- They ask for
- 2+ years
- Tools it names
- Tooling, SolidWorks, EHS / safety
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Production Engineer roles in New Jersey: typical posted base $124k–$165k.
Median of the low and high ends of 8 live postings that list pay, out of 17 production engineer openings in New Jersey, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
New Jersey plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 16 other live production postings in New Jersey.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 10+)
Typical $124k–$165k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 10+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ EHS / safety 41%
- Lean 35%
- New product launch 29%
- Team leadership 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
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
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Coherent
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 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.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 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
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 Budd Lake
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Full description from CoherentAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Own crystal growth process for different product lines and develop subject matter expertise in growth operations.
- ◆Champion continuous improvement in crystal quality, yield, and process control.
- ◆Support daily operations and partner with manufacturing technicians to execute processes on schedule.
- ◆Create and maintain engineering drawings, layouts, and tooling designs for related hardware.
- ◆Author, review, and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and process documentation.
- ◆Lead training of manufacturing technicians and cross training initiatives.
- ◆Support the installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and subsystem upgrades.
- ◆Troubleshoot complex process control and equipment-related issues.
- ◆Perform detailed and in-depth data analysis.
- ◆Perform crystal qualification and characterization.
- ◆Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and manufacturing requirements.
Education & Experience
- ✓BS in an engineering discipline such as Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Materials Science, etc
- ✓2+ years of experience preferred.
Requirements
- ✓Ability to stand for prolonged period in production environment
- ✓Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 40 lbs. of material/equipment on manufacturing floor
- ✓Adhere to all safety
requirements
for the job task including but not limited to safety shoes, fire retardant suites, full face respirators and Hot Work PPEs for handling molten material in furnace.
- ✓Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
- ✓Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
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 ↓Show less ↑
Job Summary: We are seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Engineer in our Budd Lake, NJ location to focus on our industrialized high-temperature crystal growth manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate technical knowledge and the ability to work hands-on with a strong attention to detail. Must be willing to work in an adaptive, fast-paced work environment
Skills
- •Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- •Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
- •Strong analytical ability
- •Experience with mechanical design software, SolidWorks preferred
Working Conditions
Physical
