Director of Software Development

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

$150K — $180K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of experience in embedded software development and 5+ years in software team management
  • Strong background in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and 1) and photonic control
  • Proficient in leading architectural design and managing cross-functional engineering teams
  • Expertise in C/C++ programming for embedded systems
  • Deep knowledge of L0/L1 optical networking platforms and network management interfaces
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps methodologies
  • Skilled in cross-site global team leadership and understanding of network routing protocols

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage the GS2000 release roadmap
  • Oversee resources and commitments for multiple concurrent software releases
  • Translate customer and product requirements into actionable feature specifications
  • Lead architectural reviews and enforce code quality standards
  • Resolve customer issues and deliver timely patch releases
  • Promote GS2000 software solutions during technical engagements with customers
  • Ensure accuracy and current status of software documentation
  • Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team through effective leadership
  • Collaborate with PLM, Hardware Development, Systems Engineering, and Validation teams

Benefits

  • Hybrid working environment
  • Opportunities for occasional travel and off-site meetings
  • Regular interactions with team members and external contacts
  • Flexibility in work hours to accommodate executive needs
  • Commitment to quality management and environmental standards
  • Supportive corporate culture emphasizing integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and enthusiasm
Full Job Description
Job Description

Key Stakeholder Relationships:
  • PLM (Product Line Management)
  • Hardware Development
  • Systems Engineering
  • Product Validation
  • Global R&D leadership
  • Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)


Top 3 Essential Requirements:
  1. 15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
  2. Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
  3. Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)


Skills / Experience:
  • Expert in C/C++ for embedded systems
  • Deep experience with L0/L1 optical networking platforms
  • Experience with management interfaces (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC), YANG models
  • Experience with SONiC, FRR, OVS, Linux multiprocess/multithread design
  • CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
  • Alarms, PMs, North-bound interfaces, service management
  • Cross-site and global team leadership
  • Understanding of L2/L3 routing protocols


Position Responsibilities:
  • Develop and own GS2000 release roadmap
  • Manage resources and commitments across multiple concurrent releases
  • Translate customer/product requirements into feature requirements
  • Lead architectural reviews and code quality standards
  • Deliver timely resolution of customer issues and patch releases
  • Promote GS2000 software with key customers
  • Ensure software documentation is accurate and current
  • Build and develop a high-performing engineering team, mentor junior engineer
  • Collaborate with PLM, HW Development, Systems, and Validation teams


Biggest Challenges / Problem this person is looking to solve:
  • Achieving fast feature velocity without creating technical debt
  • Maintaining cross-functional integration (HW/SW/FW/Systems) within a Global organization
  • Strengthen technical credibility for GS2000 with Hyperscalers and other Tier 1 customers
  • Ensuring robust quality across complex L0/L1 features with a rapidly growing the team
  • Creating and integrating US software team with existing Global SW team engineering team


What Achievements / Successes would you be looking for in their career?
  • Successfully led embedded SW teams for complex optical/networking systems
  • Delivered multiple releases with high quality and predictable timelines
  • Built or scaled an engineering team (architecture + execution)
  • Demonstrated deep customer-facing leadership (technical roadmap, architecture)
  • Proven record of resolving critical field/customer issues rapidly
  • Implemented modern SW practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)

Working Conditions
  • This position is hybrid
  • 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.

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