Project Engineer – Industrial Automation (mf) – 100

Coherent Corp. is the global leader in photonics designing and manufacturing advanced laser optical and material technologies used by customers worldwide across industrial communications electronics and instrumentation markets.

With a broad global footprint and deep engineering capability we combine advanced manufacturing applied innovation and customer collaboration to deliver high-performance solutions that enable critical technologies and solve complex real-world challenges.

About Coherent in Switzerland
Coherent Corp. Zurich is a key research and production hub specialising in advanced photonics engineered materials and high-power semiconductor laser technologies. Our teams develop and manufacture opto-electronic components and laser diodes for industrial optical data transmission life science and high-precision applications combining strong in-house R&D with state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing in an engineering-led culture.

Location:Zurich Onsite Employment Type:Permanent full-time

Job Summary

As a Project Engineer Industrial Automation you will lead projects focused on integrating manufacturing equipment and optimizing data flow across production systems delivering automation solutions from concept through to implementation. You will develop software and data integration solutions while collaborating closely with engineering production and IT teams.

Your Responsibility

• Execute automation projects focused on equipment integration and data flow optimization within manufacturing systems
• Implement and maintain industrial communication interfaces (e.g. SECS/GEM OPC UA BACnet) to enable equipment connectivity
• Collaborate with process production and IT stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Configure test and validate automation solutions to ensure reliable communication between equipment MES and other systems
• Troubleshoot and optimize equipment communication and data interfaces
• Develop automation software (primarily in Java or similar languages) and support data collection pipelines in collaboration with data and database teams
• Work with version control systems (e.g. Git) and support development workflows such as branching and CI/CD
• Document and standardize automation processes to ensure scalability and maintainability

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Automation Electrical Software or Mechanical Engineering (candidates may apply directly after graduation) or a Bachelors degree in a relevant field combined with a few years of relevant professional experience
• Experience in industrial or factory automation software ideally within a manufacturing environment (experience in the semiconductor industry is a plus)

Skills & Other Requirements

• Core requirements
  • Experience in industrial automation and/or equipment integration
  • Exposure to industrial communication protocols (e.g. SECS/GEM OPC UA Modbus BACnet)
  • Programming experience in Java Python or similar
  • Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment
• Nice to have
  • Experience in the semiconductor or advanced manufacturing industry
  • Stronger expertise with industrial protocols such as SECS/GEM or OPC UA
  • Experience with version control and development workflows (e.g. Git CI/CD Azure DevOps)
  • Familiarity with SQL data engineering or data flow design
• Additional qualities
  • Analytical structured and hands-on problem-solving approach
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
  • Ability to take ownership of projects and translate complex requirements into scalable solutions
  • Enthusiasm for automation industrial software and data-driven process improvement
• Languages
  • English required
  • German at B2 level or higher (for collaboration with production teams)

We understand that not every candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you have a strong foundation in automation and are eager to grow in this area we encourage you to apply.

Application Process

All candidates who wish to apply should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

Applications for this role close end of day on Friday 15 May 2026.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process please reach out to . We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.