Principal Engineer, Software

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Software development – 75%

• Design and develop software features based on high level customer and product line management requirements


• Develop new features for existing and future products


• Resolving bugs and other sustaining issues legacy products


• Work with validation and integration engineers optical, hardware and test engineering teams to continuously improve product performance, execution efficiency, and development processes.


• Ensure firmware documentation is accurate and up to date.

Teamwork and Support – 25%

• Coaching junior software engineers. Drive coding reviews and practices across team


• Pre and Post sales customer interactions, provide guidance to Field Application Engineers


• Provide input to documentation team

Education & Experience

• University degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science


• 8+ years of experience in embedded software systems 


• 5+ years of experience in Optical Networking industry (L0 and/or L1 equipment)


• Familiar with L2/L3 protocols (LLDP, OSPF, BGP etc.)


• Expert in C and C++ programming in embedded systems.


• Experience with software functions for system products, such as North-Bound Interface, Platform infrastructure, BSP and Applications such as Photonic control, alarms, PMs, Service Management.


• Practical experience across the entire Agile development lifecycle, including continuous integration, continuous deployment (CI/CD), and collaboration through DevOps practices.


• Experience in Open-Source code, such as SONiC, FRRouting, Open vSwitch etc., will be a plus.


• Familiar with networking protocols (Netconf, Open Config, Yang models etc.) and security protocols


• Experience in optical networking (ROADM, ILA) system level features


• Able to work and deliver on an aggressive schedule. 


• Familiar with virtualization and container technologies


• Good written and oral communication skills in English. Experience in cross-site development with global teams. Knowledge of Chinese is an asset.


• Programming languages: C/C++ , Go, Python


• Object-oriented design.


• Embedded Linux multi-process design, multi-thread design 

Skills & Other Requirements

Working Conditions

• This position is onsite at Horsham, PA location


• May require occasional off-site meetings or travel


• 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


• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.


• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.


• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.


• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.


• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

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.