← Search all jobs

Principal Software Engineer

Coherent

Listing collected from Coherent's career site. NextChapter is independent of Coherent.

Santa Clara, CA · Posted June 20, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at Coherent

More in California job market · All Principal Software Engineer jobs (317) · Manufacturing & Industrial · Engineering jobs

More roles at Coherent

Similar jobs

Where Santa Clara, CA ranks

Where Santa Clara, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.

Pay compared with the market

This listing does not state pay. Across 105 open principal software engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $219,000 to $320,000 and the median is $276,000.

Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.

Principal Software Engineer salaries by state · Check your own pay

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.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

  • C#

About the job

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Work with internal customers to define the automated process and system specifications.

Understand and document customers’ requirements and reach agreements with customers.

Work with hardware engineering colleagues to design/select suitable key parts as part of system conception design.

Create software architecture as part of system conception design.

Assess software-related risks with necessary mitigations.

Develop software and coding based on software architecture.

Test new developed modules if feasible.

Simulate environment to verify key algorithms.

Finish the whole software coding within the pre-defined schedule.

Set up PC and install necessary software and hardware drivers.

Make each control module functional individually.

Debug software to make each functional unit work properly.

Integrate system to make the whole auto sequence as defined.

Work with hardware engineering colleagues to continuously trial run the system and improve and verify the system reliability.

Install the system on the production floor and work with the customer to qualify the system.

Support the production and trouble-shooting system issues if needed.

Education & Experience

15+ yrs. of software engineering experience in automated process and test systems development is must.

Skilled in the use of software development language such as C#, C, C++.

Knowledge of optical communication technology is preferred.

Skills & Other Requirements

Expert in the design and developing software for automated assembly and test systems for optical data communication related product manufacturing, such as transceivers, OCS, and CPO.

Proficient in motion control and machine vision technology applications.

Familiar with deep learning technology application is a plus.

Ability to develop regular automation projects independently.

Ability to work closely with colleagues from various fields.

Excels in a high teamwork sprit across teams, departments, and sites.

Able to support a flexible work schedule due to the needs of collaboration with multiple facility’s customers and colleagues.

Working Conditions

8-hour shift: 8 AM to 5 PM. May need to work on some irregular hours, such as earnings and weekends, for urgent production support.

Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, carrying out multiple projects at a time.

Candidate may need to occasionally travel overseas to customer site for system transfer or support.

Physical Requirements

Able to work in a clean room environment when needed.

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.:

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.