Principal Engineer, Software
Coherent
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Horsham, PA · Posted April 22, 2026
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Where Horsham, PA ranks
Where Horsham, PA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #14Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Mid-Atlantic11% · of 85
- #17Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Northeast11% · of 70
- #21Best cities for director and executive jobs in the Mid-Atlantic27% · of 85
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among software developers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for software developers: 29% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Software development – 75%
Design and develop software features based on high level customer and product line management requirements
Develop new features for existing and future products
Resolving bugs and other sustaining issues legacy products
Work with validation and integration engineers optical, hardware and test engineering teams to continuously improve product performance, execution efficiency, and development processes.
Ensure firmware documentation is accurate and up to date.
Teamwork and Support – 25%
Coaching junior software engineers. Drive coding reviews and practices across team
Pre and Post sales customer interactions, provide guidance to Field Application Engineers
Provide input to documentation team
Education & Experience
University degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
8+ years of experience in embedded software systems
5+ years of experience in Optical Networking industry (L0 and/or L1 equipment)
Familiar with L2/L3 protocols (LLDP, OSPF, BGP etc.)
Expert in C and C++ programming in embedded systems.
Experience with software functions for system products, such as North-Bound Interface, Platform infrastructure, BSP and Applications such as Photonic control, alarms, PMs, Service Management.
Practical experience across the entire Agile development lifecycle, including continuous integration, continuous deployment (CI/CD), and collaboration through DevOps practices.
Experience in Open-Source code, such as SONiC, FRRouting, Open vSwitch etc., will be a plus.
Familiar with networking protocols (Netconf, Open Config, Yang models etc.) and security protocols
Experience in optical networking (ROADM, ILA) system level features
Able to work and deliver on an aggressive schedule.
Familiar with virtualization and container technologies
Good written and oral communication skills in English. Experience in cross-site development with global teams. Knowledge of Chinese is an asset.
Programming languages: C/C++ , Go, Python
Object-oriented design.
Embedded Linux multi-process design, multi-thread design
Skills & Other Requirements
Working Conditions
This position is onsite at Horsham, PA location
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 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
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
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 talentacquisition@coherent.com .
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.