Senior Firmware & Software Engineer

Company OverviewFilmetrics, a KLA company, is the market leader in 3D optical surface profiling and thin-film thickness measurement systems. Filmetrics products combine innovative hardware solutions with intuitive, easy to use software, tied together with a pioneering online platform. Filmetrics is part of KLA Corporation which develops industry-leading equipment and services that enable innovation throughout the electronics industry. We provide advanced process control and process-enabling solutions for manufacturing wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. In close collaboration with leading customers across the globe, our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers design solutions that move the world forward.Job Description/Preferred QualificationsAs a Senior Firmware & Software Engineer on this team, you will design, develop, release, and support the embedded firmware and Windows desktop software that power our families of surface profiler, thin film, sheet resistance and nanoindentation measurement instruments. Working at the intersection of software, firmware, and electronics, you will build everything from low-level, real-time firmware running on instrument hardware to rich C#/.NET desktop applications, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and the latest advancements in software engineering and AI/ML/DL.Responsibilities:Deliver well-defined features/components with high-level guidance: estimate work, communicate risks/tradeoffs, and deliver on scheduleCollaborate cross-functionally across the development lifecycle to define architecture and create system- and subsystem-level requirements/specificationsDesign, implement, and debug embedded firmware (C/C++) for microcontrollers and real-time control of instrument hardware, including communication interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, serial/UART, SPI, and I2CDevelop Windows desktop software in C#/.NET (WPF/WinForms) and C++ for instrument control, GUI, and data analysis; write maintainable, multithreaded code and use AI-assisted tools responsibly under company security policiesPartner closely with electrical and hardware engineers on board bring-up, signal and schematic debugging, and firmware/hardware co-development using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit debuggersBuild robust unit/integration tests and use profiling to improve performance, memory usage, reliability, and securityParticipate in design reviews and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and subject matter expertsTroubleshoot system/subsystem issues using logs and experiments; contribute to root-cause analysis, implement fixes with guidance, and help prevent recurrenceDemonstrate motivation to independently learn and apply new software technologiesTravel - Occasional travel may be required to KLA headquarters, customer sites, or other business locations. Travel is expected to be less than 10% of working time.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree (required) + significant relevant experience; Master’s or advanced degree (desired) + relevant experience in Electrical, Computer, Software, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or Physics. A software engineer with a strong electrical engineering or hardware background is ideal.A solid understanding and demonstrated track record in the practice of software engineering fundamentals, including architecture, data structures, design patterns, event-driven design, multithreaded and real-time design, testing, and debugging.Experience with:Microsoft .NET and C# for Windows desktop application development (WPF and/or WinForms)C and C++ programming, including embedded firmware developmentEmbedded systems and microcontroller firmware, including real-time control and hardware communication protocols (USB, serial/UART, SPI, I2C)Interfacing software and firmware with electronic hardware, and using lab instruments such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers for debuggingMicrosoft Visual Studio development environmentSource code control systems such as GitAdherence to software design and coding standardsWorking knowledge of electronics with the ability to read schematics and component datasheets and collaborate effectively with electrical and hardware engineering teamsAbility to communicate effectively with peers, interdisciplinary engineering groups, customers, and suppliers, including delivering clear technical presentationsAdept at collaborating with teams across the US, Europe, and AsiaSelf-driven individual with strong technical ability, a systematic approach, and excellent problem-solving skillsPreferred:Experience contributing to architecture and design for complex subsystems and influencing technical decisions through strong design and code reviewsExperience improving performance and diagnostics/observability for system-level softwareExperience with RTOS, bare-metal firmware, device drivers, and low-level debuggingFamiliarity with digital and analog electronics, sensors, motion control, and signal processingExperience collaborating across teams on system integration and software releases for complex systemsExperience delivering AI/ML capabilities in productsUX skills including wireframing, prototyping, and user flow designWhat we will offer you KLA’s benefits package includes:Annual leave starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays), contributory pension scheme, cash health plan, cycle to work scheme, global bonus plan, share scheme, rewards scheme and life assuranceMinimum QualificationsDoctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experienceWe offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees. KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employerBe aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information. SummaryLocation: Newport, United KingdomType: Full time