About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology

The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs. 

Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.

This role is centered on management of strategic design for reliability, qualification testing, and ensuring the long-term reliability of cutting-edge optoelectronic and silicon photonic components and subassemblies within a highly complex and fast-paced R&D and manufacturing environment.

Key responsibilities include:

Planning and managing component-level qualifications, including GR-468 and customer-specific reliability testing for laser chips, photodetectors, and other photonic devices. Collaborating across functions—Product Design, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, and both internal and external suppliers and customers—to ensure new products meet Coherent’s high standards for quality and reliability. Driving reliability strategies from early design through production, ensuring robust performance and compliance with industry and customer requirements.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Design for Reliability (DFR)

Participate in architectural design reviews and collaborate with R&D on new product development in InP and Silicon Photonic ICs Provide reliability input using DFMEA and Design for Reliability (DfR) methodologies. Apply expertise in materials science, fabrication processes, and environmental stress failure modes. Engage with design teams to assess reliability risks and integration readiness.

Qualification & Testing

Develop and manage qualification plans (e.g., GR-468, customer-specific). Coordinate qualification programs, analyze data, and generate lifetime models. Oversee life testing under stress conditions (temperature, humidity, thermal cycling) and perform electrical/optical testing.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Conduct statistical and reliability analysis (e.g., FIT rate calculations, confidence intervals). Prepare and present reliability reports to internal teams and customers. Serve as the primary contact for reliability prediction models and customer documentation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Product Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, and external partners. Assess the impact of component issues on higher-level assemblies.

Education & Experience

Doctorate degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field. 8+ years of experience in reliability engineering, preferably in optoelectronics and Silicon Photonics. Strong knowledge of reliability testing standards (e.g., GR-468), statistical analysis, and failure mechanisms. Experience with PICs, laser chips, photodetectors, and transceiver modules is highly desirable. Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Skills

Strong foundation in reliability engineering, including DFMEA, Design for Reliability (DfR), and lifetime modeling. Deep understanding of materials science, semiconductor physics, and photonic device fabrication. Experience with qualification standards such as GR-468, and customer-specific reliability protocols. Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Python, MATLAB) for reliability data interpretation. Hands-on experience with environmental stress testing (e.g., HTOL, HAST, TC, THB) and optical/electrical testing. Familiarity with photonic integrated circuits (PICs), lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and transceiver modules. Ability to interpret failure analysis results and link failure modes to process or design root causes. Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and customer-facing technical discussions. Experience working with external vendors and contract manufacturers on component reliability. Knowledge of reliability prediction models and FIT rate estimation. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-complexity R&D environment. Understanding of quality, health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to optoelectronic manufacturing.

Working Conditions

Up to 15% travel.

Physical Requirements

Primarily office work, some standing in Lab.

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.:

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

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.