Senior Engineering Manager - Firmware

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

12 paid holidays

15 paid vacation days

6 weeks fully paid parental leave

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. is seeking a Sr Engineering Manager to lead the Software Engineering Team in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The role involves overseeing complex semiconductor systems design and firmware development while managing a team of mechanical engineers.

The ideal candidate should have a BS in Electrical Engineering, extensive experience in firmware development, and strong leadership skills. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k), and paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• 10+ years required experience in firmware/embedded software development.
• 8+ years in engineering management or technical leadership required.
• Knowledge in CE, SEMI S2, F47, RoHS and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a technical team in design and development of product specifications.
• Oversee the full firmware development lifecycle and ensure code quality.
• Work closely with Product Marketing and cross-functional teams.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded systems

Firmware development

Problem-solving techniques

Microcontrollers

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or related experience

Tools

Debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)

Job description

Job Posting Job Description – Sr Engineering Manager. We are seeking an exceptional Sr. Engineering Manager to lead the Software Engineering Team within Plasma Solutions. This group is responsible for the design, implementation, and characterization of complex semiconductor systems, and will be the primary focus of this leadership role. In addition to overseeing software development, the Sr. Engineering Manager will also guide a team of experienced mechanical engineers who play a critical role in R&D, New Product Introduction, and Sustaining Engineering. This multidisciplinary team drives resolution of complex issues on released products, continuous product improvements, and compliance for both new and legacy systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a technical team to drive and deliver to product specifications, systematic design, circuit analysis, design for cost & manufacturability, PCB design, documentation, and test plan development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, with a focus on cross‑functional data driven problem‑solving techniques.
• Works closely with other engineering disciplines on the design of new and/or legacy products.
• Works closely with Product Marketing and other cross‑functional groups to successfully meet customer expectations.
• Establishes and assures adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans and performance requirements.
• Perform project activities, including PFMEA/DFMEA, design reviews, and creation of technical specifications.
• Communicates technical information effectively in both oral and written forms through design reviews, failure analysis, product specifications, test plans and technical reports.
• Acts as the primary firmware/software technical interface when designing and integrating new products with the New Product Introduction team.
• Regularly interacts with other Senior leaders and requires the ability to think systematically.

Technical Oversight & Firmware Development

• Oversee the full firmware development lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, testing, release) ensuring high‑quality, reliable, and maintainable code.
• Guide architecture decisions for embedded systems and low‑level software, driving best practices in coding standards, version control, and CI/CD processes.
• Provide hands‑on technical guidance and troubleshooting for complex issues, ensuring efficient use of RTOS, model‑based design, or bare‑metal systems.
• Review system architecture involving microcontrollers, processors, and hardware interfaces, collaborating closely with hardware, systems, and software teams.
• Ensure code quality through reviews, testing frameworks, and automation; implement firmware validation, verification, and release processes.
• Support compliance with relevant standards (e.g., safety, security, regulatory if applicable).

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering required or related experience >10+ years, or MS/PhD and 5+ years related experience.
• 8+ years of firmware/embedded software development experience.
• 2+ years of engineering management or technical leadership experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with microcontrollers, and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, etc.).
• Familiarity with RTOS or similar environments.
• Demonstrate superior problem‑solving techniques and can lead a technical team in all aspects of engineering including product specification, systematic design, circuit analysis, design for cost & manufacturability, PCB design, documentation, and test plan development.
• Understand a product development process and knowledge of CE, SEMI S2, F47, RoHS and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong people management skills.
• Strong background in system architecture and scalability.
• Experience with security, bootloaders, or OTA updates.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Experience in product development for industrial and SME devices.
• Knowledge of debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Pay Range: $ 155,000.00 - 205,00.00 per year.
• Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS.
• Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement, and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.

Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

We are generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].