2027 Spring Software Engineering Undergraduate Co-op (R20319)

MKS Inc.; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Instruments is seeking a Software Engineer Co-op in Rochester, NY for a 6‑month term from May 2027 to December 2027. You will develop a MATLAB based automation tool for FPGA designs, gather requirements, and work with software and control engineering to prototype digital control systems.

You will also contribute to embedded software in C/C++ and VHDL, participate in daily standups, and test at the system level. Travel is not required, and compensation is hourly.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Must have direct knowledge and prior experience with MATLAB and VHDL languages.
• Must have basic knowledge of source control systems.
• Good communication skills and a hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Preference for fourth or fifth year students.

Responsibilities

• Develop a MATLAB-based process automation application for FPGA design productivity.
• Gather requirements, develop and roll out the application to a wider team.
• Collaborate with Software, Digital, and Control Engineering to design prototypes for digital control systems.
• Assist in designing digital circuits, embedded software (C, C++) and firmware for FPGAs using VHDL.
• Participate in daily standups, code reviews, and feature demonstrations; perform system-level tests.

Skills

MATLAB

VHDL

Source control

Communication

Jira

Linux

MS Office

Education

B.S. in Computer Eng / Electrical Eng / CS

Tools

MATLAB

VHDL

Jira

Linux

SharePoint

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

A Day In Your Life At MKS

As a Software Engineer Co-op at MKS Power Solutions, you will partner with Software and Computer Engineers and develop a process automation application to support productivity improvements in FPGA designs in support of RF power generators for use in semiconductor manufacturing applications. In this role, you will report to the Software Development Manager.

Undergraduate Intern / Co-op Program Overview-

• 6-7 month co-op assignment within a functional area of MKS Instruments that provides students a comprehensive and engaging experience from before your program starts to after the program ends
• Meaningful work and project assignments
• Networking opportunities with peers and executives
• Exposure to different divisions of the business
• Understanding of MKS Instruments' commitment to culture and belonging

Intern/Co-op Term: This is a 6-month co-op from May 2027 to December 2027 in Rochester, NY.

You Will Make An Impact By

• Develop a Matlab based process automation application to support productivity improvements in FPGA designs
• Gather requirements, develop application, roll out the application to a wider team, gather feedback and improve the application over time.
• Work with the Software, Digital, and Control Engineering staff to develop designs for prototypes in the area of digital control systems for MKS products.
• Will assist in the design of digital circuits, embedded software (C, C++) and firmware for programmable logic devices using VHDL (FPGAs and CPLDs).
• Participate and contribute to the software development process through daily standups, design planning, code review and feature demonstrations.
• Perform tests and troubleshoot at the system level.
• Travel Requirements: Travel is not required.

Skills You Bring

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree program in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or relevant majors
• Must have direct knowledge and prior experience with MATLAB and VHDL languages
• Must have basic knowledge of source control systems
• Good communication skills and a "hands on" approach to problem solving.
• Preference for fourth or fifth year students

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of Agile development process and tools (Jira) desired.
• Familiarity with Linux operating system
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Operates in a professional office environment
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• On-site only

Compensation And Benefits

Hourly Pay Range: $27.00 to $31.00 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Benefits: MKS offers a benefits package for interns/co-ops working at least 20 hours per week, including 11 paid holidays, sick time, and 15 paid vacation days accrued on a biweekly basis.

The application period for the intern/co-op position is estimated to be through the end of March 2027; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.