Principal Firmware Engineer

Horsham, PA, United States · On site · Posted 7/8/2026 Leaves the board today
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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

Everything we do is guided by 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.
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!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.