Embedded Software Lead, Vacuum Systems
Fab2 · Austin
About fab2
The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves.
We're looking for exceptional, hands-on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible.
fab2 was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.
About the Team
The tool software group builds the control software and firmware for fab2’s in-house semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The Vacuum Systems software team owns the Linux software and real-time embedded microcontroller firmware for our deposition and etching tools which includes the components they are built from: mass flow controllers, pumps, pressure and gas control, valves, and heaters.
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
We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.
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