Senior Lab Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, design, implement, and manage a customer-facing lab environment showcasing networking products and technologies, including servers, network switches, and supporting infrastructure such as monitoring tools
• Define lab requirements, coordinate equipment procurement, and oversee installation, configuration, and operational readiness
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and deliver interactive demonstrations that highlight product capabilities and solutions
• Partner with cross-functional teams to create and maintain passive product displays, including hardware setups and technical signage within the lab
• Lead and support proof-of-concept (POC) trials for key customers focused on optical datacenter and communications products
• Perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and optimization of lab systems and equipment to ensure reliability and relevance
• Engage directly with customers during lab visits, providing technical expertise and coordinating responses to inquiries with internal stakeholders
• Drive customer POC requirements through internal engineering and product teams to ensure successful execution
• Gather and communicate customer feedback to relevant internal teams to inform product improvements and strategy
• Provide technical and customer-facing support at industry events and trade shows as needed

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience); Master’s degree or higher preferred
• 7+ years of experience in the communications and systems industry in technical roles
• Hands-on experience with servers, network equipment, operating systems, and management software required
• Strong problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills in complex environments
• Customer-facing experience is a plus, with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively

Skills

• Strong technical and debugging skills related to the installation, configuration, and operation of servers, network switches/devices, and network test and monitoring equipment
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting systems, monitoring tools, and lab test environments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities
• Familiarity with optical networking equipment is a plus

Working Conditions

• This position is onsite
• May require occasional off-site meetings 
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods while installing and maintaining lab equipment
• Comfortable working in a lab and data center environment, including equipment racks and confined spaces
• Ability to use standard tools for installation and maintenance of hardware
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits, lab support

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.

About UsCoherent 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.