Software Engineer

About the role

C, C++ Software Engineer

📍 Location: Santa Clara, CA, US

🏢 Industry: Semiconductor Manufacturing

💼 Work Setting: Hybrid

Are you a Software Engineer with strong C/C++ expertise and an interest in real-time control systems, robotics, embedded software, and advanced manufacturing technologies?

Applied Materials is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Common Systems Software Department, developing the control software that powers some of the world's most advanced semiconductor and display manufacturing equipment. This role contributes to the software stack responsible for controlling robotics, motors, sensors, pumps, flow controllers, and other critical subsystems used in precision material deposition and removal processes at the atomic scale.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in C/C++ development, real-time systems, embedded software, control systems, multi-threaded programming, and software design with strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Key Responsibilities

Software Design & Development

Design, develop, and maintain software for complex semiconductor manufacturing systems.

Develop high-quality, reliable, and scalable software solutions.

Contribute to architecture, design reviews, and technical decision-making.

Implement software enhancements and new functionality.

Ensure software meets performance, reliability, and quality requirements.

Real-Time Control Systems Development

Develop software that controls and coordinates:

Industrial Robots

Motion Control Systems

Motors

Pumps

Generators

Flow Controllers

Sensors

Process Equipment

Support precise control of manufacturing processes.

Optimize software performance for real-time operational requirements.

Ensure safe and reliable equipment operation.

Embedded & Systems Programming

Develop low-level software components interacting with hardware systems.

Support embedded software and device communication interfaces.

Implement software for hardware control and monitoring.

Troubleshoot interactions between software and physical equipment.

Contribute to system-level integration activities.

User Interface Development

Design and prototype user interfaces for equipment control systems.

Improve usability and operator experience.

Collaborate with internal users and stakeholders on interface requirements.

Support visualization and monitoring capabilities.

Ensure interfaces support operational efficiency.

Troubleshooting & Debugging

Analyze and resolve moderately complex to highly complex software issues.

Perform root-cause investigations of software defects.

Design, implement, and validate bug fixes.

Improve system stability and reliability.

Support troubleshooting efforts across hardware and software environments.

Requirements Analysis

Work with internal and external customers to understand business and technical requirements.

Participate in requirement gathering sessions.

Translate requirements into software specifications.

Clarify system behavior and performance expectations.

Support product development planning activities.

Software Testing & Validation

Develop:

Test Plans

Validation Procedures

Test Bench Configurations

Simulation Environments

Execute testing activities across software modules and integrated systems.

Verify functionality against requirements.

Support system qualification and release readiness.

Documentation

Create and maintain:

Software Specifications

Design Documents

Technical Reports

Test Documentation

User Documentation

Ensure documentation remains accurate and up to date.

Support knowledge sharing across engineering teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

Software Engineers

Systems Engineers

Hardware Engineers

Product Teams

Customers

Support software troubleshooting and project execution.

Participate in project scheduling and planning discussions.

Contribute to collaborative problem-solving efforts.

Technical Skills

Required

Programming Languages

C

C++

Software Engineering

Object-Oriented Programming

Software Design

Debugging

Software Architecture

Test Development

Preferred

Control & Automation

Real-Time Control Systems

Motion Control

Industrial Automation

Robotics Control

Embedded Systems

Embedded Programming

Hardware/Software Integration

Device Communication Protocols

Concurrent Programming

Multi-Threading

Parallel Processing

Networking & Communication

CAN Bus

Microsoft Technologies

C#

.NET

Visual Studio

Engineering Tools

MATLAB

Problem Solving Expectations

Solve moderately difficult to complex technical challenges.

Evaluate alternative solutions using sound engineering judgment.

Apply analytical thinking to system design and troubleshooting.

Develop innovative approaches to existing problems.

Balance performance, reliability, and maintainability objectives.

Education & Experience

Option 1

Master's Degree in:

Computer Science

Software Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Related Technical Field

AND

1+ years of professional software development experience

Option 2

Bachelor's Degree in:

Computer Science

Software Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Related Technical Field

AND

3+ years of professional software development experience

Soft Skills

Excellent written communication skills.

Strong verbal communication skills.

Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Customer-focused mindset.

Ability to build consensus and collaborate across stakeholders.

Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.

Core Competencies

C Programming

C++ Development

Real-Time Systems

Embedded Software

Motion Control

Robotics Software

Multi-Threaded Programming

Industrial Automation

Control Systems

Software Architecture

Debugging & Troubleshooting

CAN Bus

C#

.NET

MATLAB

Semiconductor Equipment Software

Test Development

System Integration