Manufacturing Engineer (m/f/x)

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

Location: Mainz, Germany

The Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer at our Idar-Oberstein site, you will play an important role in developing, supporting and continuously improving our high-precision manufacturing processes.

Working closely with Production, Quality, R&D and external suppliers, you will combine hands-on engineering, technical problem-solving and process optimisation to improve manufacturing quality, efficiency and productivity.

You will also support the introduction of new manufacturing technologies, equipment and materials, ensuring they meet the required technical and quality standards before implementation into production.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Analyse and optimise existing manufacturing processes, establishing standardised process parameters and leading continuous improvement (CIP) projects to improve quality, efficiency and productivity.
• Prepare technical requirement specifications (Lastenheft), review supplier specifications (Pflichtenheft) and conduct technical acceptance testing of capital equipment against defined performance criteria, including 8-hour testing, productivity and quality.
• Introduce and validate new manufacturing technologies, equipment, materials and consumables in collaboration with management and R&D, ensuring compliance with technical and quality requirements.
• Investigate internal and external quality complaints, perform root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions to prevent recurring production issues.
• Develop and maintain production routings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), processing times, work instructions and technical documentation, including training materials for production employees.
• Analyse manufacturing data and KPIs, including yield, scrap, cycle times and process capability, to identify opportunities for improvement and support informed engineering decisions.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, R&D and external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and support the industrialisation and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

What You’ll Bring

• A Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Manufacturing Engineering or a related technical discipline. A Master's degree (MSc) would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Practical experience in manufacturing engineering, process development or production support within an industrial environment.
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, with experience in process optimisation, troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation, including process specifications, work instructions, production routings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret manufacturing data and identify improvements in quality, efficiency and productivity.
• A structured, independent and hands-on approach to technical problem-solving, with strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Good written and spoken English skills for communication with international colleagues and company locations.

Experience in the following would be particularly advantageous:

• Precision manufacturing, particularly optical components, glass, ceramics, crystals or similar materials.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in improving or setting up mid-volume production lines
• Process validation, equipment qualification and the introduction of new manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or similar platforms.
• Previous project management experience or coordination of technical improvement projects.

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.