Manufacturing Engineer for Crystal Polishing (all genders)

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.

In Germany, our teams combine engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing and applied R&D to deliver high-precision laser and optical solutions for customers across the automotive, semiconductor, electronics and advanced manufacturing industries.

The Role:

To further advance our manufacturing technologies for synthetic laser crystals, we are looking for a technically skilled and hands-on professional with experience or a strong interest in precision machining, materials science and optical surfaces.

In this role, you will develop and optimise manufacturing processes for high-precision optical components made from synthetic crystals. You will work across grinding, lapping, polishing, cleaning and bonding technologies, supporting new manufacturing processes and technologies from initial development through to serial production.

What you will be doing

• Develop and optimise grinding, lapping and polishing processes for optical components made from synthetic crystals.
• Develop new manufacturing processes for existing and future production equipment.
• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies, machines and tools through supplier collaboration, technology research and industry events.
• Analyse and evaluate surface quality, including roughness, optical properties, defects and subsurface damage.
• Develop and optimise cleaning processes for crystal surfaces following grinding, lapping and polishing.
• Evaluate and develop bonding processes for synthetic crystals.
• Support the introduction and implementation of new manufacturing and measurement technologies.
• Support the transition of new processes and technologies from development into serial production.

About You:

You are a technically curious and hands-on professional who enjoys developing manufacturing processes, solving technical challenges and working with high-precision materials and components.

You work independently and systematically, take ownership of your responsibilities and collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers and other technical stakeholders.

You will bring:

• A qualification as a Master Craftsman (Meister) or State-Certified Technician, or a university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Diploma) in Precision Optics, Materials Engineering/Materials Science, Process Engineering, Precision Engineering, Photonics, Optics or a comparable technical discipline.
• Alternatively, extensive practical experience in the processing of glass, ceramics, crystals or similar materials.
• At least three years of professional experience in industrial optics manufacturing, surface processing or precision machining.
• Experience processing glass, ceramics, crystals, semiconductors or similar brittle materials.
• Experience with Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) processes.
• Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry and mechanics.
• Confident use of Microsoft Office applications.
• An independent, structured and hands-on approach to work.
• Strong teamwork, communication and collaboration skills.
• Initiative, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility.

Experience in the following would be particularly advantageous:

• Optical materials, ceramics or single crystals.
• Surface metrology and optical characterisation.
• Materials science, surface physics, surface chemistry or precision machining.
• Cleaning and bonding processes for glass, ceramics or related materials.
• Optics, photonics or laser technology.
• CNC programming.
• Good written and spoken English for technical communication with international suppliers, customers and development partners. Business-fluent English is not required.

Our Values

Ensure adherence to Coherent’s ICARE values in all aspects of your position:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
✨ Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Application & Selection

If you are interested in applying your technical expertise within an advanced manufacturing environment and helping us develop the next generation of manufacturing technologies for high-precision optical components, we would love to hear from you.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to [email protected]. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.