R&D Prototype Engineer
BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $112k (561 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.
Prototype advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite parts, programming equipment and improving processes
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Hands-on prototyping across furnacing, casting, EDM and CMM in a new-grad-friendly R&D group.
Might not be for you. Ceramic/MMC focused, not polymer — and it's a hands-on machining-heavy shop role, not desk R&D.
Adjacent materials roledevelop, fabricate and ship prototypes from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials
H-1B filings
Coherent Corp. filed 10 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.
Most common titles: Sr. Optical Test Engineer, Director, Product Management, Manager, System and Supplier Quality. Median filed pay: $120K a year.
From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings
- Seniority
- Entry level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 0+ yrs
- Industry
- Defense
- Role
- Process Engineering
Role details
Summary
Collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop, fabricate and ship prototypes from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Continuously improves existing methods in the assigned area of responsibility potentially including materials processing (mixing, furnacing, casting, etc.), ceramic preform green machining, finish machining (grinding, EDM, CNC), lapping, laser marking, assembly and metrology. Provides design for manufacturability input for new products and initiates feedback for running product improvements. Interfaces with vendors (tooling, fixtures, test labs, toll machining, , etc.) and customers.
Executes prototype manufacturing plan including equipment programming tasks. Transfers new processes and methods to operations, including writing standard work, training manufacturing personnel, specifying equipment and monitoring results. Participates in Lean, Six-sigma, Kaizen, FMEA, 6S, and yield enhancement activities
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, assembly and inspection
- Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composite materials
- Detailed process and product tracking
- Perform equipment programming in the assigned area of responsibility (MasterCAM, PC-DIMS, Calyspo, MX, others)
- Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, Solidworks, others)
- Operate and program thermal processing equipment and controls (HMI, PLC, PC-based, Watlow, Allen Bradley, others)
- Continuous improvement via participation in Lean/Kaizen, ISO, 8D and other related activities
- Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)
- Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation and conducting training
Education
- BS in Engineering or Science (new grad)
- AAS in Engineering or Science with relevant experience in materials processing, manufacturing, machining, CNC programming or prototyping
Skills
- Knowledge of advanced materials and processing (ceramics, metal matrix composites, other)
- Knowledge of machining methods, including milling, turning, diamond grinding, EDM, laser and other
- Experience with design software, e.g., CAD (ProE/Creo, SolidWorks, other), CAM (MasterCam, SurfCam, GibbsCam, other), and CMM (PC-DIMS, Calyspo)
- Aptitude for external interfacing with both vendors and customers
Working Conditions
- Position requires on-site activities for prototype fabrication (this is not a work from home position).
Work schedule is 5 days, 40 hrs per week, first shift.
Physical Requirements
Hands-on, lab-based job environment:
- Required to frequently lift/push/pull a minimum of 35 lbs
- Must be able to sit, bend, squat and walk about facility
Depending on project assignment, may be required to walk/stand for entire 8 hour day
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.
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* *.*
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