Senior Firmware Manager

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

Life and disability insurance

12 paid holidays

15 paid vacation days

6 weeks parental leave

Adoption assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Stock programs

Signing bonus

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Engineering Manager to lead the Software Engineering Team in Plasma Solutions, guiding firmware and embedded software, plus a mechanical engineering group, across NPI, sustaining, and product improvements.

You will manage budgets, schedules, and design reviews, ensuring high quality, robust code and effective cross-team communication in a fast-paced semiconductor environment.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead firmware development lifecycle from requirements to release.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance for complex issues.
• Review system architecture for embedded processors and hardware interfaces.
• Drive CI/CD, coding standards, and design reviews across teams.

Skills

Firmware development

Embedded software

C/C++

RTOS

CI/CD

System design

Problem solving

Education

BS Electrical Engineering

MS/PhD with 5+ years

Tools

JTAG

Oscilloscopes

Logic Analyzers

Debugging Tools

Job description

Job Posting Job Description – Sr Engineering ManagerA Day in Your Life at MKSWe 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.You Will Make an Impact By: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 techniquesWorks closely with other engineering disciplines on the design of new and/or legacy productsWorks closely with Product Marketing and other cross functional groups to successfully meet customer expectationsEstablishes and assures adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans and performance requirementsPerform project activities, including PFMEA/DFMEA, design reviews, and creation of technical specificationsCommunicates technical information effectively in both oral and written forms through design reviews, failure analysis, product specifications, test plans and technical reportsActs as the primary FW/SW 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 systematicallySkills that You Bring:Firmware Development & DeliveryOversee the full firmware development lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, testing, release)Ensure high-quality, reliable, and maintainable codeGuide architecture decisions for embedded systems and low-level softwareDrive best practices in coding standards, version control, and CI/CD processesTechnical OversightProvide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting for complex issuesEnsure efficient use of RTOS, model base design, or bare-metal systemsReview system architecture involving microcontrollers, processors, and hardware interfacesCollaborate closely with hardware, systems, and software teamsQuality & ComplianceEnsure code quality through reviews, testing frameworks, and automationImplement firmware validation, verification, and release processesSupport compliance with relevant standards (e.g., safety, security, regulatory if applicable)Required QualificationsBS in Electrical Engineering required or related experience >10+ years, or MS/PhD and 5+ years related experience8+ years of firmware/embedded software development experience2+ years of engineering management or technical leadership experienceStrong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systemsExperience with microcontrollers, and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, etc.)Familiarity with RTOS or similar environmentsDemonstrate 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 requirementsExcellent verbal and written communications skillsPreferred QualificationsStrong people management skillsStrong background in system architecture and scalabilityExperience with security, bootloaders, or OTA updatesFamiliarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologiesExperience in product development for industrial and SME devicesKnowledge of debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)Compensation and Benefits:Salary Pay Range: $ 155,000.00 - 205,00.00 per year. 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.Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].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.MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). 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. MKS is 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] .If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role