Senior Automation Development Engineer

Sandisk; Simpang Ampat; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandisk in Penang, Malaysia is seeking a Senior Automation Development Engineer to design, develop, integrate and sustain manufacturing automation solutions that boost factory productivity, quality and operational resilience.

The role collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, Operations and IT to translate business requirements into secure, scalable software across the full solution lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in CS/IT/SE/Automation or related field.
• Typically 4 to 7 years of experience in software engineering or manufacturing automation.
• Experience in a highly integrated automation or manufacturing systems environment.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor back-end manufacturing or SMT preferred.
• Fluent written and spoken English for stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation solution development and delivery across the lifecycle.
• Own software development lifecycle for automation solutions including design, development, testing and deployment.
• Design and develop applications and interfaces using .NET, Java, web tech and APIs.
• Integrate semiconductor manufacturing equipment and systems (SECS/GEM).
• Support MES/RTD/fault detection platforms and factory systems.
• Provide Level 2 technical support for production systems and drive incident resolution.

Skills

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor’s degree or above in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering or related

Tools

.NET (C# and/or VB) / Java

REST / Web services

XML / JSON

SQL / Oracle / SQL Server

SECS/GEM

Siemens Opcenter / Camstar Semiconductor Suite

Applied Materials E3 / RTD

Job description

Sandisk understands how people and businesses consume data and we relentlessly innovate to deliver solutions that enable today’s needs and tomorrow’s next big ideas. With a rich history of groundbreaking innovations in Flash and advanced memory technologies, our solutions have become the beating heart of the digital world we’re living in and that we have the power to shape.

Sandisk meets people and businesses at the intersection of their aspirations and the moment, enabling them to keep moving and pushing possibility forward. We do this through the balance of our powerhouse manufacturing capabilities and our industry-leading portfolio of products that are recognized globally for innovation, performance and quality.

Sandisk has two facilities recognized by the World Economic Forum as part of the Global Lighthouse Network for advanced 4IR innovations. These facilities were also recognized as Sustainability Lighthouses for breakthroughs in efficient operations. With our global reach, we ensure the global supply chain has access to the Flash memory it needs to keep our world moving forward.

Position Overview

The Senior Automation Development Engineer designs, develops, integrates and sustains manufacturing automation solutions that improve factory productivity, quality, operational resilience and speed of execution. The role works closely with Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, Operations and IT teams to translate business requirements into secure, scalable and supportable solutions. The successful candidate combines strong hands‑on engineering capability with project‑level technical leadership, sound manufacturing‑domain judgement and disciplined delivery across the full solution lifecycle.

Key Accountabilities

• Automation Solution Development and Delivery
• Own the software development lifecycle for assigned automation solutions, including requirements analysis, technical design, development, testing, qualification, deployment, documentation and transition to support.
• Design and develop reliable applications, services and interfaces using .NET technologies, Java, web technologies, relational databases and modern API patterns.
• Convert manufacturing and operational requirements into solutions that are simple, reusable, scalable, maintainable and cost‑effective.
• Provide technical estimates, identify delivery dependencies and risks, and proactively communicate progress and issues to project leads and stakeholders.
• Manufacturing Systems and Equipment Integration
• Develop and enhance solutions supporting equipment connectivity, factory execution, dispatching, process control, manufacturing visibility and operational decision‑making.
• Integrate semiconductor manufacturing equipment and systems using SECS/GEM and other appropriate communication interfaces.
• Support integrations involving manufacturing platforms such as MES, RTD, Applied Materials E3, fault detection applications and related factory systems.
• Validate functionality, performance, data integrity, cybersecurity, availability and operational readiness before production release.
• Operational Excellence and Production Support
• Provide advanced Level 2 technical support and guidance to the 24 × 7 application support organisation for business‑critical production systems.
• Investigate complex incidents, perform root‑cause analysis and implement preventive, measurable and sustainable corrective actions.
• Improve monitoring, diagnostics, recovery procedures, support documentation and knowledge transfer to reduce production disruption and recurring issues.
• Participate in planned maintenance, release and recovery activities when required to protect manufacturing continuity.
• Technical Leadership and Engineering Quality
• Lead the technical execution of medium‑to‑large automation projects or significant workstreams within broader programs.
• Conduct design and code reviews, uphold coding and documentation standards, and guide engineers towards robust and supportable solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers in software design, troubleshooting, delivery practices and manufacturing‑domain knowledge.
• Promote version control, testing discipline, secure development practices, reuse and standardisation across the engineering lifecycle.
• Modernisation and Continuous Improvement
• Identify technical‑debt reduction, platform refresh and application‑modernisation opportunities within assigned systems.
• Evaluate relevant technologies and recommend practical adoption where there is clear manufacturing, engineering or support value.
• Contribute to automation roadmaps and cross‑site alignment by documenting patterns, sharing reusable components and reducing unnecessary solution duplication.
• Work effectively with vendors and global teams where delivery depends on external products, services or specialized expertise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related discipline.
• Typically 4 to 7 years of relevant experience in software engineering, systems integration or manufacturing automation, with demonstrated ownership of production solutions or technical project delivery.
• Experience in a highly integrated automation or manufacturing systems environment.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor back‑end manufacturing or Surface Mount Technology is strongly preferred.
• Fluent written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Technical Competencies

Software Engineering Strong hands‑on capability in .NET (C# and/or VB) and/or Java, supported by disciplined coding, testing, version control and documentation practices.

Integration and APIs Proficiency with REST or web services, XML and JSON, with the ability to build reliable interfaces across multiple systems.

Databases Strong SQL capability and experience with Oracle, SQL Server or equivalent relational databases, including performance‑conscious application design.

Equipment Integration Experience or strong working knowledge of semiconductor equipment communication interfaces, particularly SECS/GEM.

Manufacturing Platforms Knowledge of Applied Materials E3, RTD, fault detection applications, or Siemens Opcenter/Camstar Semiconductor Suite is advantageous.

System Quality Ability to design for scalability, resilience, maintainability, cybersecurity, monitoring, recovery and support readiness.

Problem Solving Strong analytical, troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills in business‑critical production environments.

Delivery Practices Practical knowledge of SDLC, requirements management, qualification, release management and production transition controls.

Leadership and Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrates ownership and accountability for outcomes across the solution lifecycle.
• Balances hands‑on technical depth with the ability to coordinate stakeholders and guide delivery teams.
• Communicates technical topics clearly and makes evidence‑based recommendations.
• Works collaboratively across functions, sites and cultures, while constructively challenging assumptions when needed.
• Prioritizes manufacturing safety, quality, cybersecurity, compliance and business continuity in engineering decisions.
• Learns continuously and actively shares knowledge to strengthen overall team capability.

Additional Information

Sandisk thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Sandisk is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [e-mail] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.