Senior Research Engineer (SRA/ARM), SIMTech

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore seeks a Controls and Automation Engineer to advance R&D for high-precision semiconductor equipment.

You will design, implement and validate real-time control systems, motion control, and automation architectures for complex tools, collaborating with mechanical, electrical and software teams to prototype and optimize next-generation platforms.

Qualifications

• Masters/Engineering degree in Electrical, Control or Mechatronics.
• 2–3 years of relevant work experience preferred.
• Experience in semiconductor equipment development is a plus.
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, MATLAB; strong control theory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and prototype automation and motion control architectures for complex semiconductor process tools.
• Develop and integrate motor drives, servo systems and multi-axis motion controllers for precision stages and wafer handling mechanisms.
• Design and validate control electronics and electrical interfaces for actuators, encoders, force sensors and safety devices.
• Support the development of real-time embedded control systems, including synchronization of motion, I/O and process sequences.
• Conduct experimental characterization of dynamic performance including bandwidth, disturbance rejection and positioning accuracy.
• Investigate and mitigate noise, EMI/EMC and grounding issues affecting precision motion and sensing.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, controls and software researchers to co-design precision mechatronic subsystems.
• Support system level testing, troubleshooting and validation in the laboratory and pilot environments

Skills

Control theory

C programming

C++

Python

MATLAB

Embedded systems

FPGA development

MPC

FOC

Motion control

Reinforcement learning

Industrial protocols

CAN

EtherCAT

Modbus

Safety standards

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Masters or Bachelor's in Electrical/Control/Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

FPGA tools

C/C++ toolchains

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a Controls and Automation Engineer to support R&D efforts in the development of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The role focuses on the design, implementation, and validation of real-time control systems, motion control, and automation architectures for complex, high-precision process tools. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of control algorithms, industrial automation, and system integration, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to prototype and optimize next-generation equipment.

Role Summary

About The Role

We are seeking a Controls and Automation Engineer to support R&D efforts in the development of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The role focuses on the design, implementation, and validation of real-time control systems, motion control, and automation architectures for complex, high-precision process tools. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of control algorithms, industrial automation, and system integration, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to prototype and optimize next-generation equipment.

Job Description

• Research, design, and prototype automation and motion control architectures for complex semiconductor process tools
• Develop and integrate motor drives, servo systems and multi-axis motion controllers for precision stages and wafer handling mechanisms
• Design and validate control electronics and electrical interfaces for actuators, encoders, force sensors and safety devices
• Support the development of real-time embedded control systems, including synchronization of motion, I/O and process sequences
• Conduct experimental characterization of dynamic performance including bandwidth, disturbance rejection and positioning accuracy
• Investigate and mitigate noise, EMI/EMC and grounding issues affecting precision motion and sensing.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, controls and software researchers to co-design precision mechatronic subsystems
• Support system level testing, troubleshooting and validation in the laboratory and pilot environments

JOB REQUIREMENT

• Masters / Degree in Electrical, Control or Mechatronics Engineering
• 2 to 3 years of work experience or similar is preferred

We Value The Following Skills And Experience

• Work experience in the semiconductor industry will be a plus
• Experience with the semiconductor equipment development e.g. automated wafer handling machine
• Strong knowledge of control theory and digital control techniques
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or MATLAB.
• Experience with following:
  • Motor control techniques e.g. FOC, MPC
  • Motion control techniques such as feedforward, cascade control and observer design.
  • Embedded system design or FPGA development.
• Knowledge of machine learning applications in motion control, such as reinforcement learning and others.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., CAN, EtherCAT, Modbus).
• Familiarity with standards and certifications for industrial or safety-critical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.