Systems Software Engineer, Test & Automation Infrastructure

About the role

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials, and networking components. We offer 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance automated test execution frameworks for firmware and system-level validation.
• Support automation for customer issue replication, debug workflows, and release qualifications.
• Create software solutions that reduce manual effort, improve repeatability, and increase automation coverage.
• Assist with root-cause analysis of firmware or system-level issues by improving observability and debug tooling.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to generate requirements and design new test coverage for new product introduction (NPI) features.
• Translate validation and customer issue requirements into software infrastructure and tooling solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical planning.
• Support migration from manual or script-based workflows toward robust, platform-based automation.
• Document tools, frameworks, APIs, workflows, and design decisions clearly for long-term maintainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Strong interest in embedded systems, firmware verification, automation infrastructure, and optical transceiver technologies.
• 0 - 1+ years of experience in software development, test infrastructure, firmware validation, embedded systems, automation frameworks, or systems-level tooling. Relevant internship, academic project, research, lab, or co-op experience will be considered. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Experience developing software in one or more languages such as C#, Python, C++, or similar.
• Experience working with automation frameworks, test infrastructure, hardware/software integration, or embedded system validation.
• Strong understanding of software development practices, including version control, debugging, code reviews, and documentation.

Skills

• Strong Python programming language skills and Git version control.
• Familiarity with C, C++, C# programming languages is a plus.
• Experience with optics and signal processing is a plus.
• Knowledge of common buses and communication protocols (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI, interfaces, etc.).
• Familiarity with instrument and hardware control such as digital I/O, timers, ADCs, UARTs, low power modes, etc.
• Experience working at the hardware/software interface: reading and writing registers, comfortable with hardware specs.
• Comfortable using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, etc.
• Hands-on (practical) or lab experience with hardware.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with other members of the core team for module development.

Working Conditions

• This position is on-site.
• 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 project 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 & Quality Responsibilities

• All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
• 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 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