Embedded Software Lead, Vacuum Systems

Responsibilities

• Own firmware architecture and roadmap for deposition and etch tools and components, including mass flow controllers, pumps, pressure controllers, valve manifolds, heaters, and gas delivery systems.
• Design and implement real-time control algorithms for temperature regulation, valve sequencing, RF plasma sources, and semiconductor process equipment.
• Write and review production firmware in C and Rust, with Python for tooling and testing.
• Lead FMEA for firmware and firmware-adjacent failure modes; design interlocks and watchdogs; root-cause field and test failures.
• Partner with electronic hardware engineering on board bring-up, schematic review, sensor and driver selection, and design-for-firmware.
• Partner with the vacuum hardware team on control requirements, actuator characterization, and system integration.
• Partner with manufacturing to enable hardware device testing and calibration.
• Build and maintain hardware-in-the-loop and bench-test infrastructure for firmware validation.
• Uphold code and testing standards through feedback and code review.
• Hire and mentor team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years developing microcontroller firmware for electromechanical devices in shipped products.
• 2+ years leading or managing firmware engineers.
• Deep background in real-time controls, including sensing, timing-critical control loops, diagnostics, and communication interfaces.
• Proficiency in C for embedded targets and Python for tooling and analysis.
• Experience with a real-time operating system and standard MCU interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN.
• Working knowledge of electronics, including reading schematics, board bring-up, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• FMEA experience for electromechanical devices, with demonstrated incorporation of results into firmware design.
• Demonstrated collaboration with hardware and manufacturing teams through design, integration, and production.

Nice-to-haves

• Background in semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, gas handling, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with mass flow controllers, vacuum pumps, pressure control, or thermal control firmware.
• Experience with functional or equipment safety practices, such as IEC 61508 or SEMI S2.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure and continuous integration for firmware.
• Experience with Rust on embedded targets.
• Experience taking a product from prototype through production.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, including holidays and sick time.
• Visa sponsorship.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Commuter benefits.
• Office meals and stocked kitchen.