In Scotland, our site is a key centre for laser and ultrafast laser technology, specialising in the development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of advanced laser systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications. Working closely with teams across our global network, we combine deep engineering expertise with collaborative innovation to deliver high-performance, reliable laser solutions with real-world impact.
Junior Software GUI Engineer
The Role
In this role, you will be responsible for developing intuitive, reliable, and maintainable Windows desktop applications using modern Microsoft technologies. You will work across a diverse portfolio of software solutions, including customer-facing user interfaces, service and diagnostic tools, production and manufacturing test applications, and advanced engineering tools such as emulators and simulators.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will contribute throughout the entire software development lifecycle, from concept and architecture through implementation, verification, release, and long-term product support. This is an excellent opportunity to work on highly technical products that combine software, electronics, optics, firmware, and systems engineering.
What you will be doing...
Software Design & Development
Design, develop, and maintain Windows desktop applications using C#, WPF, XAML, and .NET
Develop software using the MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) architectural pattern to create scalable, maintainable, and testable applications.
Create customer-facing user interfaces that allow users to configure, monitor, and control laser systems.
Develop service and diagnostic applications used by field service engineers for troubleshooting and support.
Design production and manufacturing test GUIs that enable efficient system build, calibration, and verification activities.
Develop engineering tools, including emulators, simulators, and virtual laser systems that replicate product behaviour and support development before hardware is available.
Software Architecture & Reuse
Develop reusable software components, shared libraries, and NuGet packages to drive consistency across multiple product platforms.
Contribute to software architecture decisions, coding standards, and development best practices.
Support the standardisation of software frameworks and user experience across the organisation.
System Integration
Integrate GUI applications with embedded firmware, hardware devices, and third-party equipment.
Work with a range of communication protocols including serial communications, USB, Ethernet, and industrial communication interfaces.
Collaborate closely with firmware, systems, electronics, applications, and product engineering teams to define interfaces and deliver integrated solutions.
Testing & Product Support
Participate in all phases of the software lifecycle including requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance.
Perform software verification, debugging, issue investigation, and defect resolution.
Contribute to test planning and ensure software quality before release.
Support product release activities, ongoing maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Produce technical documentation including design specifications, test documentation, and user guides.
Estimate development effort and contribute to project planning activities.
Participate actively in software design reviews, code reviews, and technical discussions.
Support the ongoing improvement of development processes and software engineering practices across the team.
About You
You are a passionate software engineer with strong experience developing desktop applications and a desire to build software that directly interfaces with advanced engineering products. You enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working collaboratively across disciplines, and delivering software that provides an excellent user experience.
You will bring:
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Desirable Experience
Personal Attributes
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:
🤝 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
APPLICATION & SELECTION
Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
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.
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
