Primary Duties & Responsibilities
As a Research & Development Chemist focusing on new product/process development, the incumbent will advance processes for laboratory, pilot, and full-scale manufacturing. This position emphasizes the ability to assimilate and apply knowledge from a combination of disciplines including chemistry, chemical engineering, and material science. The person in this role is a proactive, critical, and creative thinker and is eager to solve problems and share new ideas and solutions. Embraces the II-VI Values of: I CARE – Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm
1. Process Research and Development
A.) Develops new processes and equipment or improvements to existing processes and equipment, material characterization techniques, quality control procedures and product specifications.
B.) Process theories, equipment fundamentals and engineering principles from which the processes will be anchored are fully researched and employed.
C.) Employs highly efficient and creative approach to problem solving and experimental design.
D.) Potential, impending or actual issues concerning the developed process are fully evaluated, raised to the stakeholders and are addressed with appropriate countermeasures.
E.) Responsible for solving technical issues during process development and optimization projects.
2. Quality and Documentation
A.) Employs best practices and standard experimental and analytical techniques – includes proper usage, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory tools and instruments and preparation.
B.) Test procedures, data and results are fully documented (test plans and results, timelines, reports, work instructions, proposals, diagrams, etc.) in fulfillment of the Quality Management System requirements.
C.) Process data as identified by his superior are collected and scrutinized for identifying the root cause/s of the problem or any other potential issues.
D.) Effectively uses statistical and quality tools for problem solving, improving process control and quality, reducing cost and cycle time.
E.) Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques are successfully employed when applicable in designing new processes and solving problems.
3. Technology Leadership and Technical Support
A.) Technical support and assistance is provided to other members of the group and other groups on matters within the individual’s area of expertise.
B.) Implements fully evaluated improvements or modifications to existing processes or equipment and the ways Production carries out the established procedures.
C.) Evaluates process issues with solid technical bases and applies corresponding solutions that as much as practical will not affect the target production goals.
4. Project Management
A.) Project proposals are developed and presented that clearly delineate the scope of work, resources, timeline, challenges and deliverables.
B.) Difficulties or barriers in completing the projects are properly addressed.
C.) Projects are tracked and reported as a normal part of the work without prompting from superiors
5. Safety
A.) Safe work rules and practices are followed
B.) Ensures that the new processes or components thereof are in compliance with existing environmental, health and safety regulations.
C.) Clearly outlines the safety impacts and failure modes of the developed processes and provide training when needed.
6. Personal Relations
A.) Effectiveness interpersonal relationship skills are demonstrated. The individual deals effectively and professionally with different levels in the company and differences in opinion; influences in a positive manner, draws and imparts ideas from and to others, negotiates, and mediates.
B.) Teamwork is demonstrated. Cooperation, coordination, cohesiveness and commitment among other members of the group and other departments are assured.
C.) Communication is facilitated through succinct expression of ideas in oral and written form. Effective listener and presenter of organized trains of thought.
Education & Experience
Skills
1. Hands-on experience in developing and documenting production processes and equipment preferably in a hydrometallurgical, extractive chemistry or mining engineering setup.
2. In-depth knowledge of standard chemical laboratory methods and practices with hands-on experience in operating analytical tools such as AAS, ICP-MS, GDMS, OES and XRF.
3. Understanding of DOE and statistical data analysis.
4. High level of flexibility and collaborative relationship skills. Open to different and new ways of doing things and willing to modify one’s preferred way of doing things. Able to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance and support.
5. Leads Change: Can adapt quickly. Encourages others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitates the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
6. Forward and conceptual thinker: Proactive and takes prompt action to accomplish objectives.
7. Anticipates the implications and consequences of situations and takes appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies. Effective solutions to problems are obtained by taking a holistic, abstract or theoretical approach. Analyze information at a very detailed level with an understanding of the impact at the macro level.
8. Strong desire to reach goals and work to strict timeliness. Able to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
9. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
10. Ability to make detailed observations and write technical reports.
11. Strong computer skills. Knowledge in the use of SPC tools such as Minitab and JMP is a plus.
Working Conditions
Working conditions are normal for a chemical manufacturing environment. Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 15 kg. Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment and personal protective equipment to include but not limited to, safety glasses, hearing protectors, safety shoes/boots, and hardhats. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted to be worn, long hair must be secured.
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 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.

Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.