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

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA, seeks an experienced embedded software engineer to develop and maintain software for semiconductor equipment control, motion, and automation. You will build tools for diagnostics and validation in a cross‑functional team, interfacing with hardware and firmware.

The role requires strong C/C++ skills for embedded systems, Python for tooling, and experience with real‑time and motion control.

Qualifications

• 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 that involve software, electronics, motion‑control hardware, sensors, and mechanical components.

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.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Python

Debugger

Real-time control

Motion control

Schematic reading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering

Master’s or PhD with 2+ years experience

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Git

Job description

Company Overview

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. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next‑generation devices to volume production quickly and cost‑effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA’s Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non‑uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Key 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 that involve 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.

Base Pay Range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, 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, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.