Senior Software Engineer

Brooks Automation; Chelmsford (MA); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Flexible vacation

Job summary

Brooks Automation is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead embedded real-time software development across complex robotic and automation platforms. The role emphasizes C++11/14/17, OO design, BSP/FPGA integration, and robust software architectures.

You will collaborate across software and hardware teams to deliver scalable, maintainable solutions. The position offers a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement with competitive compensation and benefits, including medical and 401(k).

Qualifications

• Extensive embedded real-time software experience.
• Proficiency in C++11/14/17 and object-oriented design.
• Architecture experience across application software, BSP, FPGA, and hardware interfaces.
• Strong knowledge of design patterns, maintainability, and diagnosability.
• RTOS expertise (QNX, RT-Linux) and real-time scheduling concepts.
• Debugging complex software/hardware integration issues.
• Lead and mentor in Agile environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture for embedded real-time systems.
• Design and implement large subsystems crossing software, BSP, FPGA, and hardware interfaces.
• Mentor engineers and drive design reviews in Agile teams.
• Resolve complex system issues during development and deployment.

Tools

BSP development

FPGA integration

Job description

Brooks is a leading provider of automation solutions with over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, offering precision robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination control solutions that empower chip manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes a range of automation solutions, including robots, vacuum systems, and atmospheric robots for semiconductor manufacturing (www.brooks.com).

Are you looking for a place where you can be part of a transformation? Join us at Brooks Automation and be a part of a dynamic organization that is shaping the future of technology.

Senior Software Engineer

Job Description

Required Qualifications

Embedded Systems Architecture

• Extensive experience developing embedded software for complex real-time systems.
• Expert proficiency in C++11/14/17 and object-oriented software architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to architect, design, and implement large software subsystems spanning application software, BSP, FPGA, hardware interfaces, and distributed controls.
• Strong understanding of software design patterns, scalability, maintainability, and diagnosability.

Real-Time Operating Systems

• Deep expertise with QNX, Real-Time Linux, or equivalent RTOS environments.
• Advanced knowledge of multithreaded and concurrent software design, interrupt-driven systems, real-time scheduling, memory management, DMA, IPC mechanisms, device driver architecture, and system performance optimization.

Hardware / Software Integration

• Significant experience debugging complex issues spanning software, FPGA, electronics, amplifiers, sensors, communication networks, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with BSP development, board bring-up, HAL design, device drivers, FPGA integration, and low-level hardware interfaces.
• Ability to independently analyze and resolve difficult system-level failures encountered during development, manufacturing, or customer deployment.

Software Engineering Excellence

• Demonstrated technical leadership within Agile development environments.
• Experience defining software architecture, coding standards, testing strategies, and development workflows.
• Proficiency using source control, CI/CD, automated testing, remote debugging, and release management processes.
• Ability to lead design reviews and provide technical mentorship to other engineers.

Technical Specialization Requirement

Candidate must possess recognized expertise in at least one of the following areas and be capable of serving as a technical lead in that domain:

• BSP / RTOS architecture
• Motion control systems
• Robotics algorithms
• EtherCAT distributed controls
• Industrial data analytics / AI

The detailed specialization expectations are listed below. Candidates are not expected to be specialists in every area.

Technical Specialization Details

BSP / QNX / FPGA Specialist

Key Skills

• BSP customization and board bring-up.
• Device driver development.
• Bootloader architecture.
• FPGA/software interfaces.
• Interrupt latency analysis.
• DMA optimization.
• ARM SoC architecture, such as Zynq.

Expected Contribution: Technical owner for controller architecture and hardware/software integration.

Motion Control Specialist

Key Skills

• Servo system architecture.
• Current, velocity, and position control loops.
• Feedforward and compensation techniques.
• Control theory and dynamic system modeling.
• Performance tuning and system optimization.

Expected Contribution: Lead development of next-generation robot motion performance and control algorithms.

Robotics Specialist

Key Skills

• Robot kinematics and inverse kinematics.
• Dynamics and rigid body modeling.
• Trajectory generation and optimization.
• Multi-axis coordination.
• Motion planning algorithms.

Expected Contribution: Define robot motion architecture and optimize cycle time, accuracy, and robustness.

EtherCAT Distributed Controls Specialist

Key Skills

• EtherCAT architecture and real-time networking.
• Distributed clocks.
• PDO configuration and optimization.
• Deterministic motion synchronization.
• EtherCAT diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Expected Contribution: Define distributed control architectures and resolve complex synchronization or performance issues.

Data Analytics / Industry 4.0 / AI Specialist

Key Skills

• Telemetry and diagnostic system design.
• Time-series analysis and fleet monitoring.
• Machine learning applications for predictive maintenance.
• Statistical analysis and reliability modeling.
• Edge analytics and intelligent diagnostics.

Expected Contribution: Develop next-generation diagnostic and predictive service capabilities.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working directly with customers to investigate and resolve critical field issues.
• Experience leading technical root-cause investigations involving cross-functional teams.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into technical solutions and architectural decisions.
• Proven record of mentoring and developing less-experienced engineers.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $118,265.18 USD to $160,005.83 USD

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.

Work Location & Flexibility

At Brooks, we aim to foster a collaborative and engaging environment while offering flexibility where possible. Work arrangements may include a mix of in-office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.

Brooks is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and proudly serves as an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Diversity enhances our innovative capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve our customers and communities effectively. At Brooks Automation, we celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives each individual brings, believing they are essential to our collective success. Join us in building a workplace where every team member is valued and can thrive.

For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations, don't hesitate to get in touch with [e-mail] or call [phone] to discuss your needs.

Review EEO Law & EEO Statement.

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