Lead IC - Driver Development & High-Speed Transceiver Test Automation

Coherent; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Santa Clara, CA seeks an experienced Senior Embedded Software Leader to guide a team of driver developers, firmware engineers, and test automation specialists.

You will shape roadmaps, drive architectural decisions, and ensure robust integration of test software across platforms. You will design and implement embedded firmware and low-level drivers for STM32-based systems, build automated test solutions, and collaborate with hardware, systems, and manufacturing teams to

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years in embedded systems, driver development, or test automation.
• 3–5 years in leadership or team management roles.
• Proven firmware/driver development in C, C++, C#, VB.NET; STM32 experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of high-speed signaling and DSP concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of driver developers, embedded firmware engineers, and test automation engineers.
• Define and communicate roadmap for embedded driver development, automation architecture, DSP-based test workflows, and system integration.
• Provide architectural oversight of test software, firmware platforms, and high-speed transceiver evaluation frameworks.
• Partner with hardware design, systems engineering, and manufacturing to align technical direction.
• Design and develop embedded firmware and low-level drivers for STM32-based and Coherent test platforms using C/C++, C#, VB.NET.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Team mentoring

DSP concepts

Education

BS/MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

STM32

C/C++

C#

VB.NET

Python

MATLAB

SCPI

GPIB

I2C

UART

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Technical Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of driver developers, embedded firmware engineers, and test automation engineers.
• Define and communicate roadmap for embedded driver development, automation architecture, DSP-based test workflows, and system integration.
• Provide architectural oversight of test software, firmware platforms, and high-speed transceiver evaluation frameworks.
• Partner cross-functionally with hardware design, systems engineering, and global manufacturing teams to ensure alignment of technical direction and deliverables.

Hands-On Technical Responsibilities (Individual Contributor)

• Design and develop embedded firmware and low-level software drivers for STM32-based and custom Coherent test platforms using C/C++, C#, and VB.NET.
• Develop automated test solutions for high-speed transceiver modules, including waveform analysis, DSP-driven measurements, and ML-enabled optimization.
• Integrate new test boards into the existing software architecture and ensure seamless deployment across engineering and manufacturing.
• Support U.S. contract manufacturers with test implementation, system bring-up, debugging, troubleshooting, and sustaining support.
• Perform advanced statistical analysis (SPC, GR&R, correlation studies) to qualify automated testers and validate system performance.
• Collaborate with hardware engineering on debugging, functional validation, and release of new instruments and boards into production.
• Work hands-on with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, and high-speed signal analyzers.

Education & Experience

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded systems, driver development, or test automation, with at least 3-5 years in leadership, technical management, or team-lead capacity.
• Proven experience developing firmware and low-level drivers in C, C++, C#, and VB.NET, with strong preference for STM32 microcontroller experience.
• Strong understanding of high-speed digital signaling, transceiver testing (NRZ, PAM4), and DSP concepts.
• Experience building and deploying automation frameworks and factory-level test systems.
• Proficiency in instrument communication protocols: GPIB, SCPI, I²C, UART.
• Experience with Python, .NET platforms, MATLAB, or ML-based test optimization is a strong plus.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent project-management skills with a track record of driving complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
• Able to collaborate effectively with contract manufacturers to support test deployment and continuous improvement.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution.

Working Conditions

• This position is predominantly onsite
• 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 follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. 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 Corp.:

• I ntegrity - Create an Environment of Trust
• C ollaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• A ccountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
• R espect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
• E nthusiasm - 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.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .