Principal Program Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Planning & Phase Gates: Build and maintain the schedule and phase-gate plan (Concept → Feasibility → Alpha → Beta → MP). Define entry/exit criteria.
• Yield, Cost, and Quality Targets: Partner with PE/test/reliability to define yield-ramp plan, DPPM targets, guard-bands, and screening. Track COGS/BOM, cycle time, and test time.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead weekly cross-functional and vendor reviews; ensure clear interfaces between photonic/electrical design, process integration, and systems. Remove blockers and align on change control (ECO/MCO).
• Manage foundry roadmaps, SPW/MPW slots, backend process and backend testing. Negotiate schedules and enforce deliverables.
• Compliance & Qualification: Plan qual matrices and push execution.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related; 3–5+ years managing complex hardware/NPI programs (at least 3+ years in silicon photonics or closely related domains such as III-V photonics, LiNbO₃ modulators, or co-packaged optics).
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and external partners to hit schedule, yield, and cost targets.
• Hands-on experience with foundry interactions (PDKs, MPW/full mask) and OSAT NPI builds.

Skills

• Data analysis skill: Able to analysis data and participate in technical decision making and verify risk
• Strong communication skill: concise executive updates, clear decision options with trade-offs and data.

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid / on-site
• May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
• 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
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs

Physical 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 or interact with colleagues.

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.