Embedded Software Engineer (C/C++ | Motion Controller)

KLA•Milpitas, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

KLA is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer with expertise in C/C++ and motion control to join their Global Products Group (GPG). This role is crucial for developing and maintaining embedded software and firmware for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The engineer will design, implement, test, and debug software for precision motion systems, machine automation, and real-time signal processing. They will also build diagnostic, configuration, calibration, and validation tools using C++ and Python. The position involves supporting hardware bring-up, system integration, performance tuning, and root-cause analysis, collaborating closely with various engineering, manufacturing, and field teams to bring complex equipment platforms from concept to production. This role is part of the Surfscan group, which focuses on technology that enables wafer, IC, and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify, and monitor their process tools, with flagship products including the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and defect inspection.

Requirements

Strong C/C++ programming skills for embedded systems, firmware, or software that interfaces closely with hardware.
Working knowledge of Python for diagnostics, automation, scripting, or engineering tools.
Experience developing software for embedded systems, real-time control, motion control, robotics, automation, or machine-control platforms.
Understanding of embedded peripherals and hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART/serial, GPIO, Ethernet, FPGA interfaces, or inter-board communication.
Ability to debug systems that involve software, electronics, motion-control hardware, sensors, and mechanical components.
Ability to read electronic schematics and use basic lab instruments such as digital multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Strong analytical, debugging, problem-solving, teamwork, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree or Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with semiconductor manufacturing equipment, precision automation systems, optics, optical alignment systems, imaging systems, or precision measurement technologies.
Experience with Galil motion controllers or similar motion-control platforms, industrial communication protocols, deterministic control applications, or related real-time control systems.
Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, UML, object-oriented design, source-control tools, or advanced C/C++ development practices.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain embedded software and firmware for semiconductor equipment control, motion control, automation, diagnostics, and system integration.
Design, implement, test, and debug software for precision motion systems, machine automation, and real-time signal processing.
Build diagnostic, configuration, calibration, and validation tools in C++ and Python for engineering, manufacturing, and field-support teams.
Support hardware bring-up, system integration, performance tuning, and root-cause analysis across software, electronics, motion-control hardware, sensors, imaging subsystems, and mechanical components.
Partner with electrical, FPGA, mechanical, optical, systems, product engineering, manufacturing, and field teams to bring complex equipment platforms from concept through production.
Contribute to requirements analysis, design documentation, coding, testing, software integration, troubleshooting, and on-tool qualification.