Sr. Principal Electrical Engineer (Aerospace & Defense)

Join Us as an Electrical Engineer - Drive Innovation in Advanced Laser Systems for Defense Applications

Are you ready to design and develop cutting-edge technology that shapes the future of defense systems? Coherent Aerospace & Defense – Emerging Products & Technology is searching for an exceptional Electrical Engineer to join our elite team of engineers, working on groundbreaking laser systems for aerospace and defense. Bring your expertise, creativity, and drive, and help us deliver exceptional solutions to our customers!

What You’ll Do

• Architect and Innovate: Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team of systems, optical, FPGA, and software engineers to conceptualize and realize systems that meet our customers’ exacting requirements. Lead the design of high-density multi-layer printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) from concept to completion. Define electrical architecture, create schematic drawings, BOMs, ECOs, and resolve DFM challenges.
• Seamless System Integration: Execute the integration of electronics, FPGA, and software/firmware, supporting all phases of testing—from board-level bring-up to final system validation.
• Drive Business Growth: Play a key role in proposal development by providing cost and schedule estimates for new business opportunities.
• Be the Subject Matter Expert: Apply your deep knowledge and expertise in electrical circuit design to tackle complex, high-impact challenges. Lead the development of new products, processes, and standards that will influence the success of our organization.

What You Bring to the Team

• A Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering or a related field, with 12+ years of electrical design experience (or Master’s degree with 10+ years experience, or Ph.D. with 7+ years experience).
• Technical Mastery: Expertise in RF/analog circuit design, control loops, high-speed DAC/ADCs, and RF fundamentals. You’re proficient with programmable logic devices, microprocessor circuit design, and high-density multi-layer PCB design.
• Design Savvy: Fluency with schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium, Orcad) and PCB layout browsers (e.g., Altium, PADS, Xpedition). Familiarity with simulators to refine and perfect your designs.
• Advanced Knowledge: A strong grasp of thermal and EMI management and mixed-signal design. Bonus points for experience with switching power supplies, TEC controllers, laser diode drivers, and optical fiber systems.
• Collaborative Excellence: Proven ability to work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop and test integrated systems. Leadership experience in guiding small teams of electrical engineers is a plus.
• Hands-On Problem Solving: A demonstrated ability to tackle hands-on troubleshooting and system integration activities.
• Experience with laser systems or high-reliability defense/space systems is a plus.
• Eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance, if one is required to perform job responsibilities.

Working Conditions

Primarily an engineering design function with office working conditions.

Physical Requirements

Primarily an engineering design function with few physical requirements.

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.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – 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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. person, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.