Primary Duties & Responsibilities
1. Process Development & Optimization
- Develop and optimize chemical-mechanical polishing and fine grinding techniques for ZnSe.
- Establish process parameters (abrasive selection, pressure, speed, slurry composition, pH control, temperature).
- Reduce defects such as surface haze, scratches, subsurface damage, and roughness through process improvements.
2. Production & Quality Control
- Implement statistical process control (SPC) for polishing uniformity.
- Define quality criteria (flatness, roughness, surface irregularities) based on interferometry.
- Work with the Quality Assurance team to ensure compliance with optical performance standards (ISO 10110, MIL-PRF-13830B).
3. Tooling & Equipment Management
- Maintain and optimize lapping and polishing equipment (single/double-sided polishers, planetary systems).
- Evaluate new tools, pads, slurries, and coatings to enhance performance.
- Develop predictive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability.
4. Defect Analysis & Root Cause Investigation
- Perform failure analysis using optical microscopy, interferometry, and SEM.
- Address process deviations and propose corrective actions to minimize yield loss.
- Optimize edge rounding, stress-relief polishing, and surface conditioning techniques.
5. Process Automation & Efficiency Improvements
- Implement automation and Industry 4.0 technologies for real-time process monitoring.
- Develop standard work procedures and automation scripts for consistent polishing outcomes.
6. Environmental & Safety Compliance
- Ensure handling of ZnSe follows EPA, OSHA, and material safety regulations.
- Develop waste management protocols for slurry disposal and recycling.
- Conduct risk assessments (FMEA, HAZOP) for chemical exposure and process hazards.
Education & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Materials Science, Mechanical, Optical, or Manufacturing Engineering)
- 1-3 years of experience in precision optics polishing, CMP, or semiconductor wafer processing
- Proficiency in ZnSe material properties, surface roughness control, and finishing techniques
- Experience with abrasives (CeO, AlO, diamond), slurries, and polishing chemistries
- Strong knowledge of ISO 10110 optical surface specifications and MIL standards
- Familiarity with metrology tools (interferometers, profilometers, AFM, SEM)
Preferred:
- Six Sigma Certification (Green/Black Belt) for process optimization
- Experience with precision optics manufacturing (lenses, IR windows, laser optics)
- Knowledge of fluid dynamics in polishing slurry distribution
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for process automation
Skills
- Process Optimization & Root Cause Analysis Expertise in reducing polishing defects
- Material Science & Surface Engineering Understanding of ZnSe behavior under different conditions
- Metrology & Quality Assurance Experience with precision optical measurements
- Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Experience with SPC, DOE, and yield enhancement
- Technical Writing & Documentation SOP development for consistent process execution
- Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.
Working Conditions
- Cleanroom or controlled laboratory environment with polishing equipment
- May involve chemical handling and exposure to polishing slurries
- Requires close collaboration with production, and quality teams
