Principal Engineer, Software

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software features based on high-level customer and product line management requirements.
• Develop new features for existing and future products.
• Resolve bugs and other sustaining issues in legacy products.
• Collaborate with validation, integration, 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.
• Coach junior software engineers and drive coding reviews and practices across the team.
• Engage in pre- and post-sales customer interactions; provide guidance to Field Application Engineers.
• Provide input to the documentation team.

Requirements

• University degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• 8+ years of experience in embedded software systems.
• 5+ years of experience in the Optical Networking industry (L0 and/or L1 equipment).
• Familiarity with L2/L3 protocols (LLDP, OSPF, BGP, etc.).
• Expertise 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 like Photonic control, alarms, PMs, and Service Management.
• Practical experience across the entire Agile development lifecycle, including continuous integration, continuous deployment (CI/CD), and collaboration through DevOps practices.
• Experience with open-source code (e.g., SONiC, FRRouting, Open vSwitch) is a plus.
• Familiarity with networking protocols (Netconf, Open Config, Yang models) and security protocols.
• Experience with optical networking (ROADM, ILA) system-level features.
• Ability to work and deliver on an aggressive schedule.
• Familiarity 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.

Skills

• Programming languages: C/C++, Go, Python.
• Object-oriented design.
• Embedded Linux multi-process and multi-thread design.

Working Conditions

• This position is onsite at the Horsham, PA location.
• May require occasional off-site meetings or travel.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment.
• Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job.
• May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours.

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 site EHS procedures, and adhere to Corporate EHS standards, including the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by job responsibilities.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, and/or other applicable standards relevant to the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to Coherent Corp’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:

• 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.