Director of Software Development

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States; Hybrid

Key Stakeholder Relationships:

• PLM (Product Line Management)
• Hardware Development
• Systems Engineering
• Product Validation
• Global R&D leadership
• Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)

 

Top 3 Essential Requirements:

1. 15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
2. Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
3. Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)

 

Skills / Experience:

• Expert in C/C++ for embedded systems
• Deep experience with L0/L1 optical networking platforms
• Experience with management interfaces (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC), YANG models
• Experience with SONiC, FRR, OVS, Linux multiprocess/multithread design
• CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Alarms, PMs, North-bound interfaces, service management
• Cross-site and global team leadership
• Understanding of L2/L3 routing protocols

 

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop and own GS2000 release roadmap
• Manage resources and commitments across multiple concurrent releases
• Translate customer/product requirements into feature requirements
• Lead architectural reviews and code quality standards
• Deliver timely resolution of customer issues and patch releases
• Promote GS2000 software with key customers
• Ensure software documentation is accurate and current
• Build and develop a high-performing engineering team, mentor junior engineer
• Collaborate with PLM, HW Development, Systems, and Validation teams

 

Biggest Challenges / Problem this person is looking to solve:

• Achieving fast feature velocity without creating technical debt
• Maintaining cross-functional integration (HW/SW/FW/Systems) within a Global organization
• Strengthen technical credibility for GS2000 with Hyperscalers and other Tier 1 customers
• Ensuring robust quality across complex L0/L1 features with a rapidly growing the team
• Creating and integrating US software team with existing Global SW team engineering team

 

What Achievements / Successes would you be looking for in their career?

• Successfully led embedded SW teams for complex optical/networking systems
• Delivered multiple releases with high quality and predictable timelines
• Built or scaled an engineering team (architecture + execution)
• Demonstrated deep customer-facing leadership (technical roadmap, architecture)
• Proven record of resolving critical field/customer issues rapidly
• Implemented modern SW practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)

Working Conditions

• This position is hybrid 
• 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.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – 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.

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!

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.


Job Summary: This is a strategic leadership hire for Coherent’s global R&D organization, responsible for the GS2000 Optical Networking Product Line. The Director of Software Development will own release planning and execution across Layer 0/1 embedded software, network element management, and system-level integration. They will build and lead a high-performing team, interact with PLM, Hardware, Systems, and Product Validation, and represent GS2000 software in key customer discussions.