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

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards, and flat panel displays. The company invests 15% of sales back into R&D, focusing on innovation with expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists, and problem-solvers.

About the Role

The Surfscan group within KLA’s Global Products Group (GPG) is seeking a skilled software engineer to develop and maintain embedded software and firmware for semiconductor equipment. This role involves working on precision motion systems, automation, diagnostics, and system integration, collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring complex equipment platforms from concept through production.

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 involving 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Pay

Base pay range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 annually.

Benefits

• Performance incentive programs
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits
• 401(K) with company matching
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)
• Student debt assistance and tuition reimbursement program
• Development and career growth opportunities and programs
• Financial planning benefits
• Wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP)
• Paid time off and paid company holidays
• Family care and bonding leave

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed.