Principal Firmware Engineer

COHERENT; Horsham (PA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent is seeking an experienced firmware engineer to develop embedded software for optical amplifier modules and related subsystems. You will work with customers and cross-functional teams to define requirements and deliver robust technical solutions.

The role emphasizes real-time control, C++ development, and hands-on debugging with lab instruments. You will mentor juniors and contribute to NPI and sustaining projects while striving for excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science required.
• 8+ years of embedded and real-time control systems experience.
• Advanced embedded C++ programming and OO design.
• Experience with NIOS, ARM and GNU toolchains.
• Agile development with CI/CD and DevOps.
• Experience with lab debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analysers).
• Knowledge of DSP and control theory (filters, open/closed-loop).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities.
• Experience working in global, cross-cultural teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded firmware, control algorithms and reusable features across multiple optical products.
• Create firmware test processes and perform functional, unit and robustness testing.
• Improve code reusability, execution efficiency and product performance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date firmware documentation.
• Collaborate with optical, hardware and test engineers to improve firmware and development processes.
• Clarify customer requirements and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
• Mentor junior firmware engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Lead code reviews and promote consistent coding standards.
• Support customers, New Product Introduction and manufacturing teams.
• Resolve sustaining issues, fix legacy-product defects and implement new customer-requested features.

Skills

Embedded C++

Real-time systems

NIOS/ARM toolchains

Agile/DevOps

Debugging tools

DSP theory

Cross-cultural teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

GNU toolchains

FPGA development

Oscilloscopes & Logic Analyzers

Job description

Join Coherent to develop firmware for advanced optical amplifier modules, optical transport subsystems and micro-optics products.

You will develop new products while supporting existing platforms, working closely with customers and cross-functional engineering teams to define requirements and deliver effective technical solutions.

What You’ll Do

Firmware Development – 80%

• Design and develop embedded firmware, control algorithms and reusable features across multiple optical products.

• Create firmware test processes and perform functional, unit and robustness testing.

• Improve code reusability, execution efficiency and product performance.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date firmware documentation.

• Collaborate with optical, hardware and test engineers to improve firmware and development processes.

• Clarify customer requirements and recommend appropriate technical solutions.

Technical Leadership and Support – 20%

• Mentor junior firmware engineers and provide technical guidance.

• Lead code reviews and promote consistent coding standards.

• Support customers, New Product Introduction and manufacturing teams.

• Resolve sustaining issues, fix legacy-product defects and implement new customer-requested features.

About You

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline.

• Eight or more years of experience developing embedded and real-time control systems using microcontrollers and FPGA-based hardware.

• Advanced embedded C++ programming and object-oriented design experience.

• Knowledge of NIOS, ARM and GNU toolchains.

• Practical Agile development experience, including CI/CD and DevOps practices.

• Experience using laboratory debugging tools, including oscilloscopes and logic analysers.

• Knowledge of digital signal processing and control theory, including filters and open- and closed-loop systems.

• Strong analytical, structured problem-solving and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and deliver against demanding schedules.

• Experience working within global, cross-cultural teams.

Experience in optical communications and assembly-language programming would be advantageous.

Our ICARE Values

• Integrity – Create an environment of trust.

• Collaboration – Innovate through the sharing of ideas.

• Accountability – Own the process and the outcome.

• Respect – Recognise the value in everyone.

• Enthusiasm – Find a sense of purpose in work.

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides 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. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Job Identification: 2013338

Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $96,888 - $188,892 per Year