Technical Lead, Optoelectronics

Job Description About the role We are looking for an experienced and technically strong Technical Lead, Optoelectronics, to join our R&D Projects and Product Development organization. In this role, you will take technical ownership of optoelectronic products throughout the New Product Introduction (NPI) process. You will lead cross-functional teams through technical development, design reviews, qualification and product introduction, ensuring that products meet customer, technical, quality and business requirements. The role reports to the Manager, Technical Leads. Key Responsibilities As Technical Lead, you will:

• Manage and drive the technical development of products through the R&D NPI process.
• Take technical responsibility for product development projects, including:
• Product specifications and requirements management.
• Technical design reviews with local teams and internal customers.
• Form, fit and function.
• Product complexity, yield and other key cost drivers.
• Lead the NPI core team in technical matters and coordinate priorities across functions.
• Ensure the delivery of qualified products in accordance with agreed NPI deliverables.
• Identify technical risks, gaps and deviations, communicate their impact and escalate issues when required.
• Provide management with recommendations and guidance on important technical decisions.
• Support product development within your area of expertise.
• Support internal customers in product optimization and product use.
• Contribute to the development of the technology roadmap.
• Mentor colleagues within the team and across other functions.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, tools and ways of working.
• Contribute to improvements in products, processes and technology.
• Stay informed about new technologies, research and competitive developments in optoelectronics and optical communications.
• You will work closely with program managers, internal customers, design, test development, assembly and test, reliability, product engineering, manufacturing engineering and line management.

Leadership and decision-making

• The Technical Lead leads through technical expertise, coordination and influence rather than formal people management. You will facilitate technical alignment, drive design reviews, coordinate priorities and motivate cross-functional teams toward successful project delivery.
• Within the agreed project scope, you will have the authority to recommend and drive technical decisions and prioritizations. For major changes or improvements outside the agreed project or specification scope, you will prepare recommendations for management decision.

About You

• We are looking for someone with extensive expertise in optoelectronics or optical communications, combined with experience in project management or technical project leadership.

You Have

• A PhD and at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, or an MSc and at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, in optoelectronics or a closely related field.
• Four to six years of experience in project management, technical leadership or a similar coordinating role.
• A solid understanding of semiconductor optoelectronic device physics.
• Good knowledge of state-of-the-art research and developments in the field, including topics presented at leading international conferences.
• Experience working in cross-functional product development environments.
• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to influence, motivate and align people across organizational boundaries.
• A results-oriented mindset and a strong business and customer focus.
• Curiosity and a genuine drive to improve execution and technical performance.
• Initiative, sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Swedish is an advantage.
• The role involves international travel to meet project teams, interact with internal and external customers and attend relevant conferences.

Culture commitment

• At Coherent, we are committed to ensuring that our values—ICARE—guide all aspects of our work:
• 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.

We offer

• A dynamic, international environment.
• An appreciative and collegial corporate culture.
• Unique technical challenges focused on developing the products of the day after tomorrow.
• Above-average social benefits.

Why join us?

• This is an opportunity to play a central role in the development of advanced optoelectronic products and technologies. You will work with highly skilled colleagues across R&D, engineering and manufacturing, influencing both product development and the future technology direction of the organization.
• If you are motivated by technically challenging projects, cross-functional collaboration and the opportunity to make a visible impact, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Application

• Please submit your CV and application in English. We look forward to hearing from you.

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! 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.