Senior Machine Control Software Engineer

Socket.dev; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

401k Plan

Paid Time Off

Stock Option Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Free Food & Snacks

Job summary

Halo Industries in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Machine Control Software Engineer to develop and integrate equipment control software for semiconductor production tools.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to build reliable automation systems using C#, SECS/GEM, TCP/IP, and PLC interfaces.

The role emphasizes hands‑on development, debugging, and validation across hardware and software, with opportunities to advance in a fast-growing field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in software/CS or related field.
• 3+ years in machine control, automation, or industrial software.
• Hands-on experience with industrial protocols and hardware control.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain machine control software for semiconductor equipment.
• Implement and integrate SECS/GEM, TCP/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, RS232/RS485.
• Develop C# UI software (WPF) for device communication and monitoring.
• Integrate robotics, motion systems, lasers, and data acquisition devices.
• Support operator control systems and state machines for automated equipment.
• Assist debugging, testing, and validation at system and component levels.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers for integration.
• Follow control standards, safety practices, and version-control processes.

Skills

C#

Industrial protocols

UI development

PLC

Robot/motion systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering/CS

Tools

SECS/GEM

TCP/IP

EtherCAT/Modbus

Job description

The Company

Halo Industries has invented a technology to replace a decades-old semiconductor material wire saw slicing process that wastes billions of dollars annually in high-value materials.

Halo’s laser-based technology eliminates this waste from the silicon carbide (SiC) substrate manufacturing process, delivering improvements in both material cost and performance, while enabling accelerated growth for a diverse set of high-growth application markets, including the electric vehicle, grid infrastructure, industrial HVAC and other high-voltage power electronics sectors.

Halo originally spun out of Stanford University in 2014, acquiring a significant series A round of VC funding in 2020 following the successful demonstration of the company’s precision material slicing equipment. Having recently closed on an $80M+ B round of VC funding, Halo is driving the fast-scale growth of the company’s team and manufacturing operations.

Halo Industries is well-funded, deeply engaged with multiple strategic customers, and staged to achieve rapid operational, revenue, and valuation growth.

The Opportunity

As Halo transitions from R&D to high-volume manufacturing, we are seeking a Machine Control Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and maintenance of equipment control systems for our semiconductor production tools.

This role will focus on hands‑on software development and system integration, working closely with cross‑functional engineering teams. The engineer will report to a senior member of the machine control team and contribute to building reliable, scalable automation systems.

Job Description

• Develop and maintain machine control software for semiconductor manufacturing equipment


• Implement and integrate industrial communication protocols, including SECS/GEM, TCP/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and RS232/RS485


• Develop software in C# (including WPF) for graphical user interfaces, device communication, and system monitoring


• Integrate hardware components such as robotics, motion systems, lasers, and data acquisition devices


• Support development of operator control systems and state machines for automated equipment


• Assist in debugging, testing, and validation at both system and component levels


• Work with PLCs and interface with external controllers where required


• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure proper system integration


• Follow established control standards, safety practices, and software development processes


• Contribute to documentation, version control, and code quality practices

Basic Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field


• 3 +years of relevant experience in machine control, automation, or industrial software development


• Hands‑on experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, TCP/IP, serial interfaces)


• Experience developing software in C# for hardware control and UI applications


• Familiarity with PLC systems and industrial automation hardware

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SECS/GEM and factory automation systems


• Experience with machine vision or camera systems


• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)


• Background in mechatronics or automation systems


• Understanding of motion control concepts, including PID loop control and state machine design


• Exposure to wafer handling robots or semiconductor devices


• Awareness of functional safety standards such as IEC 61508 and ISO 26262


• Strong problem‑solving and debugging skills in complex electromechanical systems


• Good communication skills and attention to detail

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)


• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)


• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)


• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)


• Stock Option Plan


• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)


• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)


• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)


• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)


• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)


• Free Food & Snacks


• Stock Option Plan


• Short Term & Long Term Disability


• Base salary $125,000 - $140,000

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in STEM. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.