Demo

Software Development Engineer, Firmware Validation

Coherent Corp. and Careers
Fremont, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/31/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/28/2026

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Bridge the gap between hardware and software by developing a modular python framework to communicate with low-level hardware using protocol-level communication interfaces (e.g., USB, I2C, UART) which enables our software application to interact with hardware for efficient firmware validation and seamless hardware-software integration.
  • Design and implement high-level software abstractions for low-level hardware communication protocols, ensuring minimal latency and preserving the performance characteristics of time-sensitive I2C transactions.
  • Develop reusable test scripts and modules to validate firmware behavior, execute regression suites, support new product introduction (NPI) testing and hardware bring-up.
  • Implement structured logging and reporting, generating outputs in formats like JSON, CSV, or HTML for traceability and auditability.
  • Maintain high code quality, detailed documentation for Application architecture, testing procedures, validation results and reusable components for future scalability
  • Integrate with databases or dashboards for test result visualization and analytics

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
  • Preferred 1-2 years of industry experience.

Skills

  • Strong programming skills in Python , C and C# with experience in building modular, scalable codebases
  • Deep understanding of hardware communication protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, USB, MDIO, etc.
  • Experience developing test frameworks or automation tools for firmware or embedded hardware .
  • Familiarity with tools like smbus2, pyserial, python-periphery, pyvisa, or similar.
  • Ability to debug using lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power meters).
  • Comfortable working in a Linux environment, with git, scripting, and CI fundamentals.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for documentation and cross-functional work.
  • Prior experience in optical transceiver validation, CMIS protocol, or related hardware.
Exposure to IronPython or C#/Python interop in WPF environments, experience integrating with test databases or visualization tools.

Working Conditions

  • This position is on-site full time.
  • 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.:

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.

Salary : $82,538 - $111,462

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Software Development Engineer, Firmware Validation?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Software Development Engineer, Firmware Validation career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$97,257 - $120,701
Income Estimation: 
$123,167 - $152,295
Income Estimation: 
$79,473 - $93,666
Income Estimation: 
$90,372 - $103,622
Income Estimation: 
$61,825 - $80,560
Income Estimation: 
$90,032 - $105,965
Income Estimation: 
$85,996 - $102,718
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Coherent Corp. and Careers

  • Coherent Corp. and Careers Starkville, MS
  • Primary Duties & Responsibilities Identify and notate defects on the wafer (Analyze production material and accurately log material information) Data entry... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Coherent Corp. and Careers Starkville, MS
  • Primary Duties & Responsibilities BS in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, material science, engineering, or equivalent. ASQ certified quality en... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Coherent Corp. and Careers Starkville, MS
  • Primary Duties & Responsibilities Provide preventative maintenance, repair, installation, testing, and calibration of production equipment throughout compa... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Coherent Corp. and Careers Starkville, MS
  • Primary Duties & Responsibilities Provide preventative maintenance, repair, installation, testing, and calibration of production equipment throughout compa... more
  • 12 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Software Development Engineer, Firmware Validation jobs in the Fremont, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Coherent Corp. Fremont, CA
  • Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities Bridge the gap between hardware and software by developing a modular python framework to communicate with... more
  • 2 Months Ago

  • Coherent Corp. US Fremont, CA
  • Primary Duties & Responsibilities Bridge the gap between hardware and software by developing a modular python framework to communicate with low-level hardw... more
  • Just Posted

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!