Senior Software Engineer - Equipment Engineering, Software

Job Description

As a Senior Software Engineer supporting Sputter Engineering, you will work with the Equipment Engineering team to start up, integrate, commission, and sustain Sputter systems. The role focuses on equipment software, PLC-based controls, machine interfaces, and troubleshooting to enable safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with the OEM/Interfactory and cross-functional teams to resolve software and controls issues, validate system functionality, and support successful equipment handover to production.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support installation, start-up, commissioning, qualification and sustaining of Sputter equipment for the factory expansion and manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot equipment software, PLC logic, control sequences, alarms, interlocks, and machine interface issues to restore equipment operation.
• Work with the OEM/Interfactory to review, configure, test, and validate PLC programs and equipment control functions, within approved access and change-control processes.
• Support integration of PLCs, sensors, actuators, motors, vacuum equipment, and other machine subsystems to ensure correct operation.
• Diagnose communication and interface issues between PLCs, HMIs, equipment controllers, and factory systems, escalating OEM/Interfactory specific issues as needed.
• Execute functional testing, I/O checks, interlock verification, alarm validation, and system acceptance tests during installation, start-up and sustaining.
• Develop and maintain software backups, version records, configuration files, test records, and change documentation in accordance with site procedures.
• Collaborate with Equipment, Process, Production, Facilities, IT/OT, and Quality teams to resolve equipment issues and meet production requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment control, automation, diagnostics, recovery procedures, and system availability.
• Prepare and maintain software-related documentation, including control descriptions, troubleshooting guides, test procedures, and operating instructions.
• Coordinate with the machine OEM/Interfactory and relevant suppliers on software defects, PLC issues, upgrades, and technical support.
• Support equipment performance monitoring and data analysis to identify recurring faults, reduce downtime, and improve system stability.
• Follow company requirements for machine safety, equipment interlocks, electrical safety, cybersecurity, and software change control.
• Support knowledge transfer and training for Equipment Engineers and technicians on software functions, fault diagnosis, and recovery procedures.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related discipline.
• Experience in software, automation, controls, or equipment engineering; experience supporting industrial equipment start-up or commissioning is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of PLC-based control systems and the ability to understand control logic, I/O, alarms, and interlocks.
• Ability to troubleshoot software and equipment interface issues systematically, using logs, diagnostic tools, and structured problem-solving methods.
• Basic understanding of industrial control architecture, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and equipment communication interfaces.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to prepare clear technical reports and documentation.
• Ability to work hands-on with OEM/Interfactory and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, including supporting start-up activities as required.

PREFERRED:

• Experience with industrial PLC platforms and programming tools, such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Mitsubishi, or equivalent.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA, industrial communication protocols, motion control, or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience in semiconductor, vacuum coating, sputter media, or other advanced manufacturing equipment experience is an advantage.

SKILLS:

• PLC troubleshooting and programming fundamentals, including reading ladder logic or other PLC programming languages.
• Ability to develop and troubleshoot equipment software, control sequences, interlocks, alarms, and communication interfaces.
• Structured problem-solving skills, including fault isolation, root cause analysis, testing, and verification of corrective actions.
• Understanding of industrial automation, equipment I/O, sensors, actuators, and machine-control interfaces.
• Strong collaboration skills when working with OEM/Interfactory engineers, Equipment Engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Good communication skills to explain software and controls issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, document changes carefully, and support time-critical equipment start-up activities.
• Strong technical documentation, test execution, and reporting skills.

Additional Information

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