Program Manager

Step into one of Sweden’s most unique high-tech environments. At Coherent, we are not only driving the global forefront of laser and photonics innovation — we are also home to our own advanced wafer fabrication facility right here in Stockholm. This rare combination of cutting-edge R&D and in-house wafer production enables us to design, develop, and manufacture next-generation photonics products under one roof.

As a leader in our New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, you will be at the heart of this work - guiding cross-functional teams and shaping products that set new standards in performance, quality, and manufacturability. In addition, you will play a key role in driving production-related projects, including planning and execution of new equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning activities within our manufacturing environment.  Join us and play a key role in advancing technologies that are redefining industries worldwide.
 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities 

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) projects within R&D, ensuring low product cost, competitive performance, manufacturability, quality, and short development cycles.
• Lead and coordinate production-related projects, including installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment and upgrades to existing production lines.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Facilities, and Engineering teams to ensure smooth integration of new tools and processes into the fab environment.
• Act as leader of the core project team, coordinating cross-functional experts in design, test development, product engineering, assembly & test, and manufacturing engineering.
• Plan, track, and deliver project budgets, schedules, and cost targets, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Ensure completion of Phase Exit Gates and associated deliverables according to the established NPI framework.
• Request and coordinate required resources from functional managers.
• Secure sample deliveries, prepare pilot production capability, and ensure readiness for manufacturing/test capacity.
• Deliver qualified products meeting NPI deliverables to the Operations team.
• Continuously communicate project status, risks, and deviations, and escalate gaps to plan when needed. 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science is required.
• Master’s degree is considered a merit.
• Prior experience in program or project management within product development or high-tech environments is advantageous.
• Experience working in cross-functional R&D or NPI environments is beneficial. 

Skills 

• Strong initiative and practical leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with Tech Leads, Design, Test Development, Product Engineering, Assembly & Test, Manufacturing Engineering, and Line Managers.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a structured way of working.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive progress in complex, technical environments.
• Ability to coordinate complex on-site activities involving multiple stakeholders, including suppliers and production teams.
• Proficiency in English and Swedish, both written and spoken, is required.
   

Safety Requirements 

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and II-VI 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: 

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 
 

We offer  

• a dynamic, international environment,  
• an appreciative, collegial corporate culture  
• unique technical challenges for the products of the day after tomorrow 
• above-average social benefits