VP, Advanced Development
Coherent Corp. · Santa Clara, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $250,000 / year
- Santa Clara, CA
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Subject: Interested in the VP, Advanced Development role at Coherent Corp.
Hi Taylor — I came across the VP, Advanced Development opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Coherent Corp. stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Lead advanced research organization and define long-term agenda.
- Develop key technologies from concept to proof of feasibility.
- Manage research programs and resource allocation effectively.
- Align internal research with external market direction.
- Translate research into impactful product results.
About the role
Vice President of Research
Coherent is seeking a Vice President (or SVP) of Research to lead its advanced research organization. This role is responsible for defining and executing the company’s long-term research agenda, leading internal technology development, and delivering demonstrable, impactful technical results. The VP of Research will lead an organization composed of senior technical leaders, including Principal Investigators and industry-recognized experts, and ensure that research programs produce differentiated capabilities aligned with Coherent’s strategic priorities.
The position reports to the CTO.
Key Responsibilities
Research Strategy and Leadership
- Lead research organization composed of Principal Investigators, senior technical leaders, and industry-recognized experts
- Define and execute a multi-year research roadmap aligned with company priorities in datacenter and communications, materials, industrial, and emerging technologies
- Sustain and build on a culture of technical rigor, ownership, innovation, and delivery
- Drive alignment and execution across highly experienced, largely self-directed technical leaders
- Oversee a portfolio of research programs, including prioritization and resource allocation, ensuring research investments deliver measurable technical outcomes aligned with corporate strategy
Technology Development, Incubation, and Transition
- Drive development of key technologies from concept through proof of feasibility
- Deliver industry-leading demonstrations and proofs-of-concept that validate performance, scalability, and integration
- Identify and incubate new technologies emerging from research
- Define clear paths for technologies: advance, partner, monitor, or discontinue
- Transition successful technologies to Business Groups
- Drive adoption of advanced R&D capabilities, including simulation and AI-enabled tools and workflows
Technology Portfolio and External Alignment
- Maintain a company-wide view of technology capabilities versus future requirements
- Identify and close gaps between research, product roadmaps, and anticipated needs
- Ensure alignment between internal research priorities and external system and market direction
- Evaluate external technologies and acquisition targets, providing build vs. buy vs. partner recommendations
Qualifications
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in photonics or optical communications
- Deep expertise in datacenter and communications systems and optical technologies
- Strong understanding of complex devices such as CW lasers, EMLs, silicon photonics, tunable lasers, and IQ modulators
- Proven track record leading research or advanced development teams
- Experience leading organizations composed of senior technical leaders or equivalent
- Experience translating research into product results
- Experience with advanced packaging is beneficial but not required
What We Are Looking For
- Deep technical credibility with senior researchers and with customers in our ecosystem
- Strong judgment in selecting and prioritizing research directions
- Ability to drive programs from concept to proofs of concept and demonstrations
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality And 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
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 Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
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.
Key skills/competency
- Research Strategy
- Technology Development
- Team Leadership
- Photonics
- Optical Communications
- Datacenter Technologies
- Materials Science
- Innovation Management
- Product Development
- Cross-functional Collaboration
Skills & topics
- VP Research
- Advanced Development
- Research Strategy
- Technology Development
- Photonics
- Optical Communications
- Datacenter Technologies
- Materials Science
- Leadership
- PhD
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight leadership experience, PhD qualifications, and 15+ years in photonics/optical communications. Quantify achievements in research strategy and technology development.
- Craft a strong cover letter: Emphasize your vision for Coherent's research roadmap and how your expertise aligns with their strategic priorities in datacenter, materials, and emerging tech.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss complex devices (lasers, silicon photonics), research methodologies, and your experience leading senior technical teams.
- Showcase strategic thinking: Demonstrate your ability to evaluate external technologies, make build vs. buy recommendations, and transition research into product success.
- Research Coherent Corp.: Understand their ICARE values, product applications, and market position to articulate your fit during the interview process.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific technologies are prioritized for Coherent Corp.'s advanced research?
- Coherent Corp. prioritizes research in datacenter and communications, materials, industrial, and emerging technologies. A PhD in a relevant scientific field and 15+ years of experience in photonics or optical communications are essential, with expertise in complex devices like CW lasers, EMLs, silicon photonics, tunable lasers, and IQ modulators being highly valued for this VP of Research role.
- How does Coherent Corp. foster innovation within its research teams?
- Coherent Corp. fosters innovation by leading an organization of senior technical leaders and experts, sustaining a culture of technical rigor, ownership, and delivery. The VP of Research is expected to drive alignment and execution among these largely self-directed technical leaders, ensuring research programs yield differentiated capabilities.
- What is the expected career progression for a VP of Research at Coherent Corp.?
- While specific career paths vary, a VP of Research role at Coherent Corp. offers significant leadership impact. Success in this position, particularly in translating research into product results and driving advanced R&D capabilities, can lead to further executive opportunities within the company's global operations.
- How does Coherent Corp. ensure its research aligns with market needs for the VP of Research role?
- The VP of Research at Coherent Corp. is responsible for maintaining a company-wide view of technology capabilities against future requirements and ensuring alignment between internal research priorities and external system/market direction. This includes evaluating external technologies and acquisition targets to inform build vs. buy vs. partner recommendations.
- What interview process can I expect for the VP of Research position at Coherent Corp.?
- The interview process for the VP of Research role at Coherent Corp. will likely involve multiple stages, including discussions with the CTO and other senior leaders. Expect to delve into your technical expertise, strategic thinking, leadership philosophy, and experience in driving research from concept to productization. Demonstrating credibility with senior researchers and customers will be key.
- What are Coherent Corp.'s core values, and how do they relate to the VP of Research role?
- Coherent Corp.'s core values are Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm (ICARE). For the VP of Research, this means fostering an environment of trust and idea sharing, taking ownership of research outcomes, respecting team members' contributions, and finding purpose in driving technological advancement.