Principal Technical Program Manager

COHERENT; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Fremont, CA, is seeking a senior technical engagement leader to drive Microsoft interoperability and performance targets for optical transceivers and datacenter hardware.

You will coordinate cross‑functional teams, manage qualification, telemetry, and sample plans, and provide executive updates, risk registers, and trade‑offs to assure on‑time bring‑up and ramp.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years in technical marketing, customer engineering, systems engineering, or technical program management for optical transceivers, networking, or datacenter hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical engagement with Microsoft architecture, networking, qualification, and sourcing teams to align product configuration, performance targets, telemetry needs, and sample plans.
• Drive readiness before customer shipment by coordinating demo hardware or EVB, reference firmware, interoperability coverage, tolerance testing, corner-condition calibration, and proactive system‑level verification.
• Own cross‑functional issue resolution for firmware and system integration, CMIS interpretation, power and thermal limits, optical performance, telemetry, and manufacturing issues; ensure fast response and closure plans.
• Coordinate with switch, NIC, and system vendors and internal product lines to remove interoperability blockers and improve first-pass qualification success at Microsoft.
• Provide clear executive updates, risk registers, and trade‑off recommendations covering schedule, capacity, yield, BOM diversity, and customer commitments.
• Build long‑term trust with Microsoft engineering leaders through regular onsite and offsite reviews and hands-on support during bring‑up, qualification, and ramp.

Skills

Optical module qualification

Firmware bring‑up

CMIS/Telemetry/DDM

Power/thermal trade‑offs

Switch/NIC interoperability

Influence hyperscale customers

Cross‑functional leadership

Executive updates & data‑driven issues

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering / Physics / Optics / Computer Engineering

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead technical engagement with Microsoft architecture, networking, qualification, and sourcing teams to align product configuration, performance targets, telemetry needs, and sample plans.




• Drive readiness before customer shipment by coordinating demo hardware or EVB, reference firmware, interoperability coverage, tolerance testing, corner-condition calibration, and proactive system-level verification.




• Own cross-functional issue resolution for firmware and system integration, CMIS interpretation, power and thermal limits, optical performance, telemetry, and manufacturing issues; ensure fast response and closure plans.




• Coordinate with switch, NIC, and system vendors and internal product lines to remove interoperability blockers and improve first-pass qualification success at Microsoft.




• Provide clear executive updates, risk registers, and trade-off recommendations covering schedule, capacity, yield, BOM diversity, and customer commitments.




• Build long‑term trust with Microsoft engineering leaders through regular onsite and offsite reviews and hands‑on support during bring‑up, qualification, and ramp.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.




• 7 years in technical marketing, customer engineering, systems engineering, or technical program management for optical transceivers, networking, or datacenter hardware.




• Strong working knowledge of optical module qualification, firmware and system bring‑up, CMIS, telemetry or DDM, power and thermal trade‑offs, and switch or NIC interoperability.




• Proven ability to influence hyperscale customers and lead cross‑functional teams across R&D, operations, quality, and external partners to close urgent technical issues.




• Excellent communication and program leadership: concise executive updates, clear decision options, and data‑driven problem solving.




• Experience supporting 800G or 1.6T qualification, or similar high-speed optical products with hyperscale customers, is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• This position is On‑Site/ Hybrid




• May require occasional off‑site meetings with customers/Switch/DSP vendors.




• May require light travel to other R/D sites in Asia area.




• Extensive use of the computer and other test equipment




• 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 some urgent tasks

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 the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

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 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] .

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: 2011313

Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $114,375 - $195,875 per year