Manufacturing Engineer (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.

Manufacturing Process Engineer – Process Development & Production Optimisation (m/f/d)

Location: Idar-Oberstein, Germany

The Role

We are looking for a technically minded and motivated individual to join our Manufacturing Engineering team in Idar-Oberstein, helping drive the continuous development and optimisation of our manufacturing processes.

In this role, you will combine technical process development, production optimisation and data-driven problem-solving to improve efficiency, quality and manufacturing performance. You will work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Purchasing and external partners to identify improvement opportunities, introduce new technologies and support the industrialisation of our products.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys understanding how manufacturing processes work, finding practical solutions and making a measurable impact within a high-precision manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop, maintain and optimise ERP workflows, production master data, standard times and costing information to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Analyse existing manufacturing processes, applying Lean principles and production data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and productivity.
• Independently plan and implement process improvements, using operational KPIs to measure performance and drive sustainable results.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions relating to production issues and customer complaints.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Purchasing and external partners to support product industrialisation and improve manufacturing methods.
• Lead and contribute to technical projects focused on process optimisation, capacity expansion and the introduction of new manufacturing technologies.

What You’ll Bring

• Completed technical qualification as a State-Certified Technician or Master Craftsman, or a degree in Engineering, Production Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a comparable technical discipline.
• Strong technical understanding with foundational knowledge of Chemistry, Physics, Mechanics, Optics or Photonics.
• A genuine interest in manufacturing processes, process development and technical problem-solving.
• Strong analytical skills with a structured, independent and solution-oriented approach to work.
• Confidence in taking ownership of technical challenges, making decisions and collaborating with different teams.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies would be advantageous.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or similar would be beneficial.

What We Offer

Our benefits vary by country and role. Depending on your location, your package may include:

• Competitive base salary and annual incentive eligibility.
• Employer-supported pension or retirement provision.
• Health, wellbeing and employee-assistance programmes.
• Life and income-protection benefits.
• Flexible-working arrangements, where compatible with the role.
• Learning and professional-development opportunities.
• Employee recognition and share programmes.

Our ICARE Values

How we work is just as important as what we achieve. Everyone at Coherent is expected to demonstrate our ICARE values:

🤝 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 and Selection

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

If you require an adjustment or accessibility accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact kris.cairns@coherent.com. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Join us and help shape the technologies that connect, inform and transform our world.