Senior Software Engineer

Cohu, Inc.

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 150,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Cohu, Inc. is seeking a software engineer to develop and maintain automation software for semiconductor test equipment. This role focuses on building proprietary applications and integrating high-volume manufacturing systems to ensure uptime and performance.

Applicants should have over 10 years of experience in software engineering, strong C/C++ skills, and a degree in Computer Engineering or a related field. Experience in real-time systems and collaboration across teams is essential.

The position requires occasional travel and offers a full-time schedule.

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in software engineering with complex systems.
Expertise in C/C++ and experience in object-oriented programming.
Strong skills in real-time control and automation.

Responsibilities

Design, develop and integrate control software.
Troubleshoot and resolve system issues.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Object-oriented design

Machine control systems

Real-time systems

Windows development

Version control (Git)

Troubleshooting skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Visual Studio

RTOS

Wireshark

Jira

Job description

Cohu is a global supplier of semiconductor test and automation equipment. In this role you will build and sustain software that controls complex electro‑mechanical test handlers used in high‑volume semiconductor manufacturing.

Position Summary

Design and develop proprietary application and framework software for control machines, automation systems, and complex electro‑mechanical platforms. This role spans full lifecycle development—from architecture and design through integration, deployment, and customer support—focused on uptime, safety, and deterministic real‑time behavior.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, and integrate machine control software using C++ and C# in a Visual Studio environment.
Develop real‑time control logic for motion systems (motors, encoders, servo/stepper control), sensors, and digital/analog IO.
Drive system architecture, interface definitions, and software design reviews; establish patterns that scale across product variants.
Own customer escalation response: troubleshoot issues using logs, instrumentation, and on‑equipment debugging; deliver corrective actions and prevention plans.
Partner with Manufacturing and Field Service to resolve production‑line and installed‑base issues, restore system uptime, and improve reliability.
Build verification strategies that push failure detection upstream (simulation, automated system tests, regression suites) and reduce re‑occurrence.
Interface with customers and cross‑functional teams (EE/ME/Test/Apps) to align requirements, integration plans, and release readiness.
Mentor engineers through code reviews, design feedback, and technical coaching.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including substantial work on automation, machine control, or complex electro‑mechanical systems.
Expert C/C++ skills with object‑oriented design (OOD) and design patterns; ability to write maintainable, testable, production‑quality code.
Strong experience developing on Windows using Visual Studio; familiarity with C# for tooling, diagnostics, or UI is preferred.
Hands‑on experience with real‑time systems, including deterministic sequencing, concurrency, timing constraints, and fault handling.
Proficiency with version control and collaborative development workflows (Git preferred): code reviews, branching strategies, and disciplined change management.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve field issues, including root‑cause analysis and implementing corrective/preventive actions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting designs and status to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Relevant Domain Experience (Any of the Following)

Semiconductor equipment, test handlers, ATE integration, or factory automation environments.
Comparable experience in industrial automation, robotics, medical devices, or high‑volume product engineering with electro‑mechanical systems.

Preferred / Additional Skills (Highly Beneficial for Test Handler Software)

Embedded development experience: RTOS and/or embedded Linux, low‑level debugging on target hardware, and interfacing with motion controllers and sensors.
Hardware/software integration experience (MCU/SoC peripherals, serial buses, timing/latency considerations) and familiarity with common interfaces (RS‑232/RS‑485, USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP, CAN, I2C, SPI).
UI development experience for operator/service tools (WPF, WinForms, or Qt); ability to build effective diagnostics and recovery workflows.
Build and release tooling: CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins), automated test execution, packaging/deployment, and traceable release documentation.
Experience with factory/equipment communication standards such as SECS/GEM and related SEMI standards (e.g., E5/E30/E37/HSMS) and/or equipment performance tracking.
Experience with simulation or hardware abstraction techniques that enable development and testing before hardware availability.
Scripting and data analysis for troubleshooting (e.g., Python) and familiarity with issue tracking (e.g., Jira).
Understanding of machine safety concepts: interlocks, e‑stops, safe‑state design, and failure modes; exposure to functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849) is a plus.

What Success Looks Like

You deliver reliable software that maintains throughput and uptime in production environments.
You reduce escalation frequency by improving diagnosability and recovery behavior.
You improve development velocity through pragmatic architecture, automation, and strong engineering hygiene.
You collaborate effectively across disciplines and communicate trade‑offs clearly.

Job Conditions / Additional Information

Occasional domestic and international travel may be required (approximately 10%).

Work involves extended periods at a computer workstation and may include time in manufacturing areas or at customer sites when supporting escalations.

Job Info