NPI Cross-site Engineer

Coherent, Inc.; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in laser technology seeks an NPI Cross-site Engineer for their Glasgow facility. This role involves the introduction and transfer of new laser products and supporting production processes. Ideal candidates should have a degree in engineering or physics, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and flexibility to travel. The position services a dynamic environment with ongoing innovation in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in engineering or physics; photonics engineering preferred.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with various departments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and understanding of operations processes.

Responsibilities

• Introduce and transfer new laser products into manufacturing.
• Participate in development phases at Coherent Kaiserslautern.
• Support laser production operators during pilot phases.

Skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Flexibility to travel

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering or physics

Job description

Job Description

At Coherent, we leverage expertise across multiple international sites to deliver world‑leading ultrafast laser systems. Our facility in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is a dedicated design centre specialising in the development of very high‑power industrial picosecond (ps) and femtosecond (fs) laser systems. Backed by decades of experience, this site features an exceptional team of design engineers and customer‑facing specialists, maintaining close, trusted relationships with industry‑leading customers and partners.

In Glasgow, Scotland, Coherent maintains a combined design and manufacturing facility, recognised globally as a Centre of Excellence for ultrafast lasers. Here, we translate advanced designs into robust, scalable and commercially successful products, supported by manufacturing expertise and operational excellence. All laser systems designed at Coherent Kaiserslautern are manufactured exclusively at our Glasgow facility. This clear division means that while Kaiserslautern is responsible for innovation, development, and detailed engineering design, the complete production, assembly and testing of these high‑performance laser systems take place in Glasgow.

Critical to the success of these products is the close cooperation between design and manufacturing teams. The role of NPI Cross‑site Engineer is specifically created to facilitate seamless product transfer between Kaiserslautern and Glasgow. Based in Glasgow, this position will formally report into the Kaiserslautern design team. The successful candidate will spend focused periods in Germany becoming an expert in new technologies, designs, and systems, subsequently transferring this expertise into the Glasgow manufacturing environment and providing technical support throughout initial production phases.

The New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering team is responsible for the introduction of new products, product variations and changes to our production lines of industrial ultrashort pulse lasers. By coordination and collaboration with cross‑functional teams, we ensure that products, tools and processes of the highest quality are transferred to the manufacturing site. We are the leading department to drive innovation in manufacturing, e.g. by usage of automation and AI, with the goal of shortening time‑to‑market, reducing production costs and maximising yield.

The main task of an NPI Cross‑site Engineer is knowledge transfer from the design to the manufacturing site, working closely with both teams in all phases of product development, and providing on‑site technical support during the initial production phase.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Introduction and transfer of new laser products, product variations and changes into manufacturing.
• Participation in development phases at Coherent Kaiserslautern, Germany with the focus on prototype builds, design review, process and tools definition with a representation of NPI & Manufacturing KPIs.
• Participation in pilot phases at Coherent Glasgow, Scotland with the focus on training and supporting laser production operators.
• Participation in engineering release phases at Coherent Glasgow, Scotland with the focus on Manufacturing KPIs improvement (Touch Time, Yield, Cycle Time).
• Cooperation with Manufacturing Engineering and Production departments at Coherent Glasgow, Scotland with focus on streamlining and continuous improvement.
• Cooperation with Coherent Glasgow Engineering department with focus on sustaining running laser product lines.
• Creation of requirements within our product development process to ensure Design for Manufacturing.
• Development of manufacturing concepts including production facilities, production processes, automation and key performance indicators.
• Analysis and reporting on results of pilot runs and ensuring objectives for yields, touch time and cycle times etc. are met.
• Definition and creation of build processes and their workflows.
• Problem solving and risk management: systematically apply problem solving methods, define and implement measures and confirm effectiveness.
• Production third‑level technical support during the initial production phase.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field of engineering or physics, with a degree in photonics engineering or similar field is preferred.
• Basic understanding of operations processes and manufacturing concepts.
• Knowledge of basic mechanical and/or optical design principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to successfully interact with different departments and levels of the organisation to identify and resolve challenges and remove bottlenecks.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of Lean principles.
• Awareness of quality and cost.
• Flexibility to travel (mostly to Germany approximately a quarter of the year and for periods of one to three weeks).

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience in design and development of lasers or laser components and/or manufacturing is advantageous.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrated problem solving and work prioritisation skills.
• Ability to keep up to date with technology and apply to business strategic plan.
• Ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with end‑users, management, and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities involving internal customer requests and demands.
• Ability to excel in a cross‑organisational, cross cultural, global team environment.
• Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, and competency.

Working Conditions

Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Scotland EHS standards.

Quality & 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

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

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.

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Semiconductor Manufacturing

About Us

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!