Principal Firmware Engineer

Location: Horsham, PA, United States; Hybrid

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.

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: Design and develop firmware for optical amplifier modules, optical transport subsystems, and micro-optics modules. Role includes firmware development for new products and ongoing support of legacy products. This role includes customer interactions to clarify feature requirements and proposed implementation.