MKS Instruments

Spectra-Physics, Ophir, Newport and ESI are brands within the MKS Instruments Photonics Solutions division. We provide a full range of solutions including lasers for precision industrial and scientific research applications, laser and LED measurement, beam profiling, precision motion control, optical tables and vibration isolation systems, photonics instruments, temperature sensing, opto-mechanical components, optical elements, and systems for flexible PCB laser processing, high-speed MLCC testing, and CO2-laser-based systems HDI PCB and IC substrate manufacturing. MKS Photonics Solutions enhance our customers’ capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, advanced electronics and specialty industrial markets.

The Equipment and Solutions division of MKS Instruments (formerly ESI) is one of Oregon’s oldest tech companies. This position in the High Density Interconnect Product Engineering team designs and develops machines that enable disruptive laser-based processing and high-volume manufacturing of rigid circuit boards in the consumer electronics industry. The team is comprised of engineers who have a detailed understanding of lasers, optics, motion control, electronics hardware and systems with embedded software. We operate in a fast-paced, highly technical product development environment.

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer within ESI’s Platform Architecture group. You will enable prototype development of ESI’s next-generation tools by adding new functionality to existing code and algorithms to develop and integrate new subsystems. This role requires a skillset that combines practical, iterative, hands-on development of software for real-time industrial machine control, and a working knowledge of mechanical system dynamics and feedback control. 

This is a hybrid position allowing for 3 days in our Beaverton, OR location and 2 days remote on a weekly basis.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and implement control software for electro-mechanical motion systems, laser/optic sensors, and thermal control
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines (EE, ME, SW, Optics, Applications) to brainstorm and develop concepts for ESI’s next-gen system-level solutions
• Interface with development teams to architect and integrate prototype designs into new products

What you will bring to the team, along with your curiosity and creativity:

• BS/MS in an engineering discipline (SW, ME, EE) or Physics, with 8 years of experience in software design and test for mechanical system control applications
• Software architecture and development skills in C#/C++ for real-time system control hardware
• Hands-on integration test and debug of machine control software + firmware
• Intuitive understanding of mechanical and thermal dynamic systems
• Creative, exploratory, data-driven approach to cross-disciplinary problem solving

Additional experience that adds value in this position:

• Familiar with data collection, analysis, and presentation in Matlab, Python, Excel, etc.
• Familiar with lab testing: sensors, oscilloscopes, data loggers
• Analog and digital dynamic system modeling and control system design
• Statistical analysis, calibration algorithms, error budgeting
• Vibration theory, test, and analysis
• Communication skills in verbal interactions, documentation, oral presentations

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. 

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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Instruments, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

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