Embedded Software Lead, Vacuum Systems

About the Role

The Embedded Software Lead for Vacuum Systems manages the engineers responsible for these systems and owns the software architecture from prototyping through production. You will lead the technical direction and implement real-time control software for deposition and etch tools.

Responsibilities

• Own firmware architecture and roadmap for deposition and etch tools and their components: MFCs, pumps, pressure controllers, valve manifolds, heaters, and gas delivery
• Design and implement real-time control algorithms for temperature regulation, valve sequencing, RF plasma sources, and other semiconductor process equipment
• Write and review production firmware in C and Rust, with Python for tooling and test
• Lead FMEA for firmware and firmware-adjacent failure modes, design interlocks and watchdogs, root-cause field and test failures
• Partner with electronic hardware engineering on board bring-up, schematic review, sensor and driver selection, and design-for-firmware
• Partner with vacuum hardware team on control requirements, actuator characterization, and system integration
• Partner with manufacturing team to enable hardware device testing and calibration
• Build and maintain hardware-in-the-loop and bench test infrastructure for firmware validation
• Uphold code and testing standards through feedback and code review
• Hire and mentor team members

Required Experience

• BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 7+ years developing microcontroller firmware for electromechanical devices in shipped products
• 2+ years leading or managing firmware engineers
• Deep background in real-time controls with experience implementing sensing, timing-critical control loops, diagnostics, and communication interfaces
• Proficiency in C for embedded targets; Python for tooling and analysis
• Experience with a real-time operating system and standard MCU interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
• Working knowledge of electronics: reading schematics, board bring-up, using scopes and logic analyzers
• FMEA experience for electromechanical devices, with a track record of incorporating results into firmware design
• Demonstrated collaboration with hardware and manufacturing teams through design, integration, and production

Nice-to-have

• Background in semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, gas handling, or scientific instrumentation
• Experience with mass flow controllers, vacuum pumps, pressure control, or thermal control firmware
• Experience with functional or equipment safety practices (IEC 61508, SEMI S2, or similar)
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure and continuous integration for firmware
• Experience with Rust on embedded targets
• Experience taking a product from prototype through production

• Working at fab2
• We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA.

Benefits

fab2 offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
• Visa Sponsorship
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
• Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
• Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

• Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
• fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi