# Embedded Software Lead, Vacuum Systems

**Company:** [Fab2](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/fab2)
**Location:** Austin, TX
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** C, Rust, Python, Real-Time Operating Systems, Spi, I2C, Uart, Can, Microcontroller Firmware, Real-Time Controls, Fmea, Hardware-In-The-Loop Testing, Linux, Rf Plasma
**Posted:** 2026-09-08

> Leads firmware engineers and owns the architecture and implementation of real-time control software for semiconductor deposition and etch equipment. Requires 7+ years of shipped microcontroller firmware experience, leadership experience, and strong embedded controls and electronics expertise.

## Job Description

## 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.

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