Coherent

Principal Technical Program Manager

Coherent$130K — $180K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years in technical marketing, customer engineering, systems engineering, or technical program management for optical transceivers, networking, or datacenter hardware.
  • Strong working knowledge of optical module qualification, firmware/system bring-up, CMIS, telemetry, and power/thermal trade-offs.
  • Proven ability to influence hyperscale customers and lead cross-functional teams to resolve urgent technical issues.
  • Excellent communication and program leadership skills with an emphasis on data-driven problem solving.
  • Experience with 800G or 1.6T qualification or similar high-speed optical products is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical engagement with Microsoft architecture and networking teams for product configuration and performance.
  • Drive readiness for customer shipments via coordination of demo hardware, firmware, interoperability testing, and system verification.
  • Own the resolution of cross-functional issues related to firmware, system integration, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Coordinate with vendors and internal product lines to eliminate interoperability blockers and enhance qualification success.
  • Provide executive updates, risk registers, and trade-off recommendations on schedules and customer commitments.
  • Build trust with Microsoft engineering leaders through regular reviews and hands-on support during product ramp-up.

Benefits

  • On-site/hybrid working conditions with occasional off-site meetings.
  • Light travel may be required to R&D sites in Asia.
  • Regular interaction with team members and external contacts.
  • Opportunities for professional development and engagement in cross-functional teams.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead technical engagement with Microsoft architecture, networking, qualification, and sourcing teams to align product configuration, performance targets, telemetry needs, and sample plans.
  • Drive readiness before customer shipment by coordinating demo hardware or EVB, reference firmware, interoperability coverage, tolerance testing, corner-condition calibration, and proactive system-level verification.
  • Own cross-functional issue resolution for firmware and system integration, CMIS interpretation, power and thermal limits, optical performance, telemetry, and manufacturing issues; ensure fast response and closure plans.
  • Coordinate with switch, NIC, and system vendors and internal product lines to remove interoperability blockers and improve first-pass qualification success at Microsoft.
  • Provide clear executive updates, risk registers, and trade-off recommendations covering schedule, capacity, yield, BOM diversity, and customer commitments.
  • Build long-term trust with Microsoft engineering leaders through regular onsite and offsite reviews and hands-on support during bring-up, qualification, and ramp.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years in technical marketing, customer engineering, systems engineering, or technical program management for optical transceivers, networking, or datacenter hardware.
  • Strong working knowledge of optical module qualification, firmware and system bring-up, CMIS, telemetry or DDM, power and thermal trade-offs, and switch or NIC interoperability.
  • Proven ability to influence hyperscale customers and lead cross-functional teams across R&D, operations, quality, and external partners to close urgent technical issues.
  • Excellent communication and program leadership: concise executive updates, clear decision options, and data-driven problem solving.
  • Experience supporting 800G or 1.6T qualification, or similar high-speed optical products with hyperscale customers, is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions
  • This position is On-Site/ Hybrid
  • May require occasional off-site meetings with customers/Switch/DSP vendors.
  • May require light travel to other R/D sites in Asia area.
  • Extensive use of the computer and other test equipment
  • 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 some urgent tasks

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.

About Coherent

Coherent, Inc. is a global leader in providing laser-based solutions to a broad range of commercial and scientific research customers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets lasers, laser-based systems, precision optics, and related accessories for a diverse group of customers. Coherent's markets include scientific research, OEM components and instrumentation, microelectronics, materials processing, and life sciences. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications. Coherent was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Learn more about Coherent
Size
5,085 employees
Market Cap
$4.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ

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