Software Controls Engineer

About the Role

Tempress Systems Inc., formerly SPT Microtechnologies USA, is seeking a Software Controls Engineer for a Full-Time, On-Site position in San Jose, CA within the Semiconductor Industry. This role develops, tests, and supports the PLC control programs for vertical furnaces and involves significant time on the manufacturing floor and at customer sites for equipment bring-up and debugging. The position reports to the Software Engineering Manager and is open to engineers with 0-5 years of experience.

Pay Range: $120,000 – $140,000 salary

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs (ladder logic and IEC 61131-3 structured text) for furnace subsystems including wafer handling, boat elevator, gas delivery, vacuum, temperature control, and safety interlocks.
• Bring up and debug new and upgraded tools on the manufacturing floor, including I/O checkout, servo/motion setup and tuning, sensor and actuator verification, and interlock testing.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues using PLC online monitoring, alarm and event logs, electrical schematics, and basic test equipment.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to find root causes of equipment issues.
• Create and execute test plans for PLC and software changes prior to release.
• Support field service and customers, on-site or remotely, to resolve tool issues.
• Work with software engineers on the interface between the PLC and the tool control software and HMI (I/O mapping, alarms, handshakes).
• Document changes clearly, including release notes, test procedures, and Engineering Change Orders using the Oracle platform.
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Working knowledge of PLC ladder logic and/or structured text on any major platform (Omron, Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar).
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Proficiency with a multimeter and basic electrical test equipment.
• Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, pneumatics, and servo/stepper motion control.
• Hands-on, methodical troubleshooting approach.
• Willingness to work directly on equipment in manufacturing and cleanroom environments.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–5 years of experience in PLC programming, controls engineering, or equipment engineering.
• New graduates with strong hands-on PLC or automation projects (internships, capstone, robotics teams) are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with semiconductor or other capital equipment (furnace, CVD, diffusion, etch, wafer handling, or similar).
• Omron Sysmac Studio (NJ/NX series) and EtherCAT experience.
• Industrial networks such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus.
• Safety PLC, safety circuits, and interlock design; familiarity with SEMI S2.
• Experience with robots, mass flow controllers, vacuum systems, or temperature controllers.
• HMI development or basic programming/scripting (C#, Python, or similar).
• Familiarity with SEMI standards (e.g., E30, E84, E87).
• Experience with Git and bug tracking tools such as Mantis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory, manufacturing, or cleanroom environment (including gowning).
• Ability to stand for extended periods, walk, and occasionally lift or carry materials up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work in a standard office environment, including sitting for extended periods, using computers, and attending meetings.
• Travel to customer sites, domestic and international, as needed for equipment installation and support.
• May require occasionally climbing ladders or stairs.

Hours

• 40-hour work week (5 days x 8 hours) on-site.
• Work hours can be flexible with manager approval.

Location

• 5750 Hellyer Avenue, Suite 10, San Jose, CA 95138

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• COBRA
• 401(k) with company matching
• HSA with company matching
• Profit Sharing
• Worker’s Compensation
• PTO