Intern - Software Application Development

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Software Engineering Intern to join the Software Application Development team for Summer 2026. In this role, you will help extend our internal R&D and test automation platform (Windows, C#, .NET Framework) by adding support for optical switch testing under SONiC OS. You will gain hands-on experience with network switch fundamentals, Linux-based switch operating systems, SSH-based automation, and building production-quality features used by engineers in the lab.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and implement optical switch testing support within our existing R&D and test platform (C#, .NET Framework, Windows).
• Develop an SSH-based integration layer to communicate with SONiC devices (command execution, session management, authentication handling, timeouts, and error recovery).
• Optimize and harden the existing SSH interface used in our platform for reliability, performance, and maintainability (connection reuse, retries/backoff, logging, structured command results).
• Add monitoring capabilities via SSH to collect switch/system telemetry (examples: interface state, link status, transceiver/port data exposed by SONiC/CLI, health signals, relevant logs).
• Improve and extend our IronPython-based test scripting to support SSH-driven workflows (new scripting APIs, examples, and backward-compatible enhancements where possible).
• Create validation coverage: unit/integration tests where feasible, plus practical lab verification steps and repeatable test procedures.
• Deliver internship capstone artifacts:
• a short design/architecture write-up
• working prototype integrated into the platform
• documentation (usage guide + example scripts)
• final demo/presentation to the engineering team

Education & Experience

• Education Level Required: Bachelor’s (or Master’s preferred, but not required)
•    - If Bachelor's is ok: Please indicate preferred year:
•      - ☐ Rising Junior (completed 2 years by start)
•      - ☒ Rising Senior (completed 3 years by start)
• Majors: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering (or related)
• Relevant coursework or project experience in one or more of the following is a plus:
• Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing/switching concepts, Ethernet)
• Linux fundamentals and shell/CLI usage
• Software development in C# and/or Python
• Systems automation, test automation, or tools development
• Open to currently enrolled students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to document work and present results.
• Team-oriented but able to work independently when needed.
• Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and time management.
• Working knowledge of C# and object-oriented design; familiarity with .NET Framework is a plus.
• Basic understanding of network switching concepts (ports, VLANs, link status, interfaces).
• Basic Linux experience (CLI navigation, file/log inspection, process concepts).
• Experience using SSH for remote command execution and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Python; exposure to IronPython is a plus.
• Comfort with debugging, logs, and iterative problem-solving in a lab environment.
• Familiarity with Git/source control and basic software engineering workflows.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Fremont.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• May include time in an R&D lab environment to connect to and validate against optical switch hardware and network equipment, following all site safety procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in 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.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution