Experienced Software Controls Engineer

Silfex, a Lam Research Company; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Silfex Inc., a Lam Research Company, is seeking a senior software controls engineer to advance the Czochralski (CZ) process automation. You will design PLC/HMI software for CZ crystal growers, enable MES interfaces, and drive improvements in cost, throughput and reliability while collaborating with Silfex teams and external vendors.

The role emphasizes leading software projects, validating changes, and supporting production operations with robust automation solutions and data-driven methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or higher with relevant software control experience.
• Experience with PLC programming and HMI software for industrial equipment.
• Strong root cause analysis, teamwork, and project execution skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop/modify CZ grower PLC and HMI software to improve automation and reliability.
• Support MES interface software and vision control integration.
• Assist installation, commissioning, and startup of new equipment; support maintenance teams.

Skills

PLC ladder logic

HMI software

C#

Python

Matlab

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Electrical/Software Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Mitsubishi software

Wonderware

Pro-face

PanelVIEW

FactoryTalk

Job description

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex’s silicon components help make that technology a reality. Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible – through our people, we are advancing the world. The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Silfex, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits that start on your first day of employment. Discover more at Lam Benefits

Job Description

Essential Function: This position is for a key software controls engineer and informal team lead to advance the automation and technology of the Czochralski (CZ) process. This person will be accountable the for the software design of CZ crystal growers which includes HMI and PLC software for equipment functionality, process automation, vision control, and the MES interface. The successful candidate will identify, develop, and execute projects leading to lower cost, higher throughput, better reliability, better connectivity, and autonomy to meet the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and implement these improvements into daily operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and/or modify CZ grower PLC and HMI software to improve process automation, reliability, and functionality
• Create and/or modify necessary MES specific interface software
• Support the implementation of vision control software
• Support the installation, commissioning, and startup of new or modified equipment designs
• Support the maintenance team by improving and maintaining equipment software design by developing, validation, change control, process risk management, and root cause investigations
• Partners with teams within Silfex and external suppliers to develop and implement new equipment software designs and methodologies
• Partners with manufacturing managers/supervisors to identify, develop and implement projects associated with improvement of manufacturing operations
• Supports manufacturing departments in the effective collection, manipulation, and analysis of data required to establish performance standards for equipment and processes
• Manages and creates project schedules, budgets, etc. and updates status to department managers and PMO group
• Carries out special projects and all other additional duties as assigned
• Supports process equipment including off-hours if needed

Culture

• Display a positive attitude and strong work ethic that reflects the Mission and Core Values of Silfex
• Create and maintain a culture where workplace safety is part of everything we do.
• Provide the safest possible workplace to our employees by modeling and following all company safety policies, reporting any incidents or unsafe conditions immediately to Silfex management.
• Wear all PPE as required by work area or job function
• Communication – Begin with the end in mind – Communicate boldly as well as effectively with empathy and respect to inspire teamwork and collaboration vertically and horizontally within Silfex.
• Assist in applying lean manufacturing concepts and 5S.
• Demonstrate ownership of continuous improvement ideas and activities.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness, housekeeping and 5S within work area.
• Maintain these areas at the highest degree possible while responsibly escalating any maintenance issues

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years experience; or equivalent experience. Degree in electrical or software engineering preferred.
• Required experience in PLC ladder logic and structured text with an emphasis in Siemens TIA Portal, and Mitsubishi software systems preferred.
• Required experience in modifying HMI applications like Wonderware, Pro-face, Panel View, or Factory Talk.
• Preferred experience in C#, Matlab, and Python.
• Experience with root cause analyses and corrective/preventive actions.
• Preferred experience with Silicon crystal growth, equipment and technology.
• Capability to translate technical requests into effective and practical algorithms.
• Highly motivated with strong attention to detail, driven to understand root cause of observations, process performance and reliability.
• Must be able to work effectively individually and in a team environment.
• Must be able to perform successfully under minimum supervision.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and; talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the environment is moderate.

Our Commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results. Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company ("Silfex" or the "Company"), is an equal opportunity employer.

Silfex is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

We're looking for talented people to join our growing team and support the technology of the future. At Silfex, we’re the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools – which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible – through our people, we help connect the world.