Hands-on Principal Software Engineer responsible for architecting, developing, integrating, testing, and debugging software for semiconductor test platforms. The role involves C#/.NET, Python, distributed systems, APIs, messaging, data services, equipment drivers, firmware and hardware integration, secure platform services, and test orchestration. The engineer will lead architecture through production deployment, troubleshoot system-level issues, work with customers and global teams, mentor engineers, and conduct design and code reviews while remaining deeply involved in coding.
Job Summary & ResponsibilitiesPrincipal Software EngineerPosition Overview
Hands-on Principal Software Engineer responsible for software architecture, design, coding, system integration, and debugging across SLT, Burn-In, and HPC Semiconductor test platforms. The role works directly across semiconductor testers, automated handlers, software drivers, firmware, instrumentation, thermal systems, test programs, and distributed software platforms.
Key Responsibilities- Architect, design, and develop software for SLT, Burn-In, and HPC test platforms, test orchestration, equipment integration, messaging, and data services.
- Drives test driven development in Hardware-Centric Environments with high focus on unit and integration tests
- Remain approximately 70% hands-on in coding, integration, testing, debugging, and technical design.
- Develop cross-platform applications, SDKs, drivers, APIs, test programs, and equipment-control software using C#, .NET 10+, ASP.NET10+, Python, Blazor, and xUnit.
- Develop distributed messaging, telemetry, data pipelines, and orchestration using Apache Pulsar and PostgreSQL.
- Implement secure on-premises platform services using OIDC/OAuth 2.0 and related identity technologies.
- Integrate software with test hardware, firmware, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and instrumentation systems.
- Develop and integrate ActivATE/ActivATE360, device/instrumentation drivers, and test execution workflows.
- Implement SCAN, pattern execution, and vector-conversion workflows.
- Debug system-level issues across software, communications, firmware, hardware, and DUT execution.
- Work directly with customers and global engineering teams during integration and deployment.
- Gather requirements from customers, internal departments, and cross-BU partners; communicate tradeoffs and deliver solutions from design through production.
- Design for reliable execution, test-data integrity, fault recovery, and compatibility across independently evolving components.
- Mentor engineers and lead design/code reviews while remaining hands-on.
- All other duties as assigned.
- 12+ years of software engineering experience with strong hands-on technical leadership.
- Deep expertise in C#/.NET, distributed systems, multithreading, asynchronous programming, APIs, and debugging.
- Experience integrating software with physical equipment, firmware, drivers, or semiconductor/industrial test systems.
- Experience owning architecture through implementation, integration, and production deployment.
- Strong Knowledge of TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, and gRPC.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Must be willing to work onsite at our Lake Forest, CA office.
- Experience with SLT, Burn-In, ATE, HPC, ActivATE/ActivATE360, or Advantest 93000.
- Experience with digital tests, test programs, device drivers, instrumentation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Experience delivering cross-platform and on-premises software in semiconductor production environments.
- Willingness to work in an on-prem and on-site setup (No Hybrid) in Lake Forest, CA.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
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