Senior Software Systems Engineer

Senior Machine Control Software Systems Engineer

Want to discover just how far your intellectual curiosity can take you? You’re in the right place. For more than four decades, Axcelis Technologies has been at the forefront of innovation in semiconductor manufacturing technology. Chipmakers around the globe rely on our tools and process expertise to deliver the semiconductors that power modern life from smartphones and computers to cameras and cars. We have become a technology leader by providing the innovation necessary for business to thrive, quality of life to advance, and the environment to flourish—enabling a truly sustainable future. Our influence is global, with more than 30 offices worldwide, an installed base of thousands worldwide and a customer list that includes the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers. Our team is expanding, and we are currently hiring a Senior Machine Control Software Systems Engineer for our corporate office in Beverly, MA.

Position Background

This machine control software engineer will write software to control wafer handling functions for Axcelis ion implanter systems. Ion implanter systems are large complex capital equipment systems used by semiconductor manufacturers. These fully automated systems run 24/7 and are used in the manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuits. These systems implant ions into silicon wafers by directing an ion beam onto the wafers. Wafer processing rates exceed 500 wafers per hour and must be exceedingly reliable with maximum uptime and an absolute minimum of failures. All wafer handling and processing is done in the end station portion of the system. The end station consists of multiple cassettes for bringing wafer to and from the system, a process chamber in a high vacuum environment, multiple robots in the normal atmosphere environment, multiple robots in the vacuum environment, vacuum load locks, aligners, and multiple additional sensors and actuators. Some robots are purchased commercial robots and others are completely custom. Wafer handling control is done using Delta Tau PMAC controllers and commercial servo amplifiers.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test machine control software to control new wafer handling features and to make changes to existing wafer handling control methods.
• Learn and fully understand present wafer handling hardware and robot operations.
• Learn and fully understand new wafer handling hardware in order to write software to control the hardware.
• Modify machine control software to add new functionality, to meet new requirements, improve present operation, and to optimize present operation.
• Operate the wafer handling portion of an ion implantation system in order to develop and test new software and hardware controls.
• Write subsystem verification and test routines.
• Work closely with mechanical, hardware, validation/reliability and manufacturing engineering disciplines.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of a BS in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering (MS preferred).
• 5+ years experience in software control of electrical/mechanical systems (MS preferred).
• Excellent software skills and experience writing software to control electrical/mechanical systems.
• Knowledgeable in computer networking architectures, topologies, hardware and communication protocols such as TCP/IP, RS232, RS485, and USB.
• Experience in embedded hardware/software architecture.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, pay excellent attention to detail, and learn new technologies quickly.
• Good understanding of electrical/mechanical systems and ability to work hands‑on in a lab on equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Semiconductor industry or similar experience is a plus.
• Ion implant experience is a huge plus.
• Experience with Delta Tau PMAC controllers or other motion controllers is a plus.
• Training and/or experience with robots, motors, actuators, and servo systems is a plus.
• Knowledge/experience with implant is a plus.
• Knowledge/experience with real-time control is a plus.
• Knowledge/experience with hardware such as FPGA, PCB, etc. is a plus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.

Compensation

U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE $124,924.40 - $187,386.60. This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role. Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).