Software Engineer

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States; Hybrid

Full-Stack Application Development

• Design, build, test, deploy, and maintain full-stack web applications (frontend, backend, data storage) that support business workflows and analytics needs.
• Translate stakeholder needs into technical requirements, then into reliable, scalable implementations; manage the backlog and deliver iteratively.
• Establish and maintain code quality via reviews (self/peer where applicable), automated tests, CI/CD, documentation, and observability.

Automation & Ad-Hoc Scripting

• Develop and maintain scripts and lightweight services to automate operational tasks (data collection, transformations, system integrations, reporting, and file/process automation).
• Create reusable libraries and utilities to accelerate common work patterns and reduce “one-off” technical debt.

Agentic AI Implementation

• Prototype and implement agentic AI workflows that can set goals, execute steps, validate outputs, and integrate with internal systems while maintaining safety controls (permissions, logging, human-in-the-loop where needed).
• Build structured outputs (schemas/forms), session state handling, and validation to ensure consistent downstream usability (e.g., converting freeform inputs into structured records). (This aligns with internal examples describing agentic AI as systems that can autonomously set goals and execute tasks

Operations, Security & Reliability

• Ensure solutions meet security and data handling expectations (least privilege access, secrets management, auditing, and appropriate data retention).
• Monitor and troubleshoot production issues; implement fixes and continuous improvements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with business stakeholders to clarify requirements and deliver solutions aligned with business goals (stakeholder collaboration language is consistent with internal software JD examples). 

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 1–3 years of professional software development experience (full stack preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to own deliverables end-to-end in a small-team or solo-developer environment.

Skills & Other Requirements

Required

• Full-stack development experience: modern web UI + backend APIs + data persistence.
• Strong programming skills in at least one general-purpose language (e.g., Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, C#, Java).
• Experience building or integrating automation scripts (ETL, data processing, workflow automation).
• Ability to learn quickly, make sound engineering tradeoffs, and deliver maintainable solutions with minimal oversight.

Preferred

• Experience designing AI-assisted or agentic workflow systems (tool calling, prompt chaining, structured outputs, validation, and auditing
• Experience with cloud deployment, CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and monitoring/telemetry.
• Familiarity with data analytics workflows and working with business data sources.

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.


The Full Stack Software Engineer (AI & Automation) will own end-to-end design, development, deployment, and support of internal business applications and automation solutions. This role operates in a small engineering function within a small stakeholder group and is responsible for delivering pragmatic, secure, maintainable software that improves productivity and reduces manual effort. The position will build and maintain full-stack applications, develop ad-hoc scripts and tooling to eliminate repetitive tasks, and implement agentic AI capabilities that can autonomously execute goal-driven workflows with appropriate guardrails and auditability.