Principal Engineer, Applications

Coherent; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Santa Clara is seeking a senior Customer Technical Support professional to lead high-impact technical support for optical communications products. The role emphasizes fast issue resolution, field testing, and collaboration with PLM and R&D teams.

The position requires 8+ years in optical-communications environments, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and willingness to travel up to 33% with 7x24 on-call support. A degree in engineering or physics is required.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Physics.
• 8+ years in optical communications as technical support/engineer roles.
• Experience with coherent optical transceivers, DWDM, OTN and related architectures.
• Experience investigating field issues and RMAs.
• Experience using and troubleshooting network management systems.
• Python scripting experience preferred.
• Product development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide quick response technical support for customer issues.
• Work with internal teams to resolve issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Support PLM and Quality team customer interactions.
• Review specs and give real-world feedback to development.
• Propose test scope and detailed test plans.
• Coordinate pre-testing with R&D to ensure trial success; conduct on-site testing.
• Travel 25–33% and provide 7x24 on-call support.

Skills

Travel 25-33%

On-call support

Strong communication

Negotiation skills

Problem solving

Team oriented

Self-starter

Education

M.Sc. or B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Physics

Tools

Python

Network management systems

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Customer Technical Support - 60%

• Quick response technical support customer issues or inquiries
• Work with internal teams to resolve customer issues and complete Root Cause Analysis
• Provide technical support for PLM and Quality team customer interactions
• Review PLM and R&D product specifications, providing real-world feedback to new product development
• Review and/or propose test scope and detailed plan.
• Review with R&D team and conduct any necessary pre-testing to ensure trial success
• Perform testing at customer site as required

Customer Demo and Trial Support - 30%

• Review and/or propose test scope and detailed plan.
• Review with R&D team and conduct any necessary pre-testing to ensure trial success
• Perform testing at customer site as required

Technical Training and Documentation - 20%

• New product installation and operation training for the front line customer support team
• Provide technical Customer Installation and Operating documentation

Education & Experience

• M.Sc. or B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Physics
• 8+ years working experience in optical communication companies as technical support manager or engineer, development engineer or system verification engineer.
• Experience with the following technologies: Coherent optical transceivers, DWDM, OTN, optical network architectures, and network management protocols.
• Experience investigating field issues and RMA support
• Experience using and troubleshooting network management system
• Experience in coding Python script is preferred.
• Experience in product development is preferred.

Skills

Travel 25% to 33% of time, to meet customer support needs

7x24 on-call support

Strong communication and negotiation skills

Creative, analytical and structured problem-solving capability

Team oriented and a self-starter

Working Conditions

Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely requires use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets, etc.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms

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

• I ntegrity - Create an Environment of Trust
• C ollaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• A ccountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
• R spect - 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] .