Software Engineer Talent Pool (all grades)

Description

The company is privately owned and was founded in 2001 as a spin-out from the University of Bristol by CTO Professor Andrew Humphris.

Its scientists and engineers build metrology tools that help make the next generation of semiconductor devices, sold to customers worldwide.

The company is based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has more than 150 scientists, engineers and business staff, and is backed by investors including Applied Ventures, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials.

Software sits at the centre of the work. Engineers build the applications, control systems and operator interfaces for atomic force microscopy (AFM) inspection and metrology systems used by leading semiconductor manufacturers.

The technology combines software, precision mechanics, motion control and nanoscale measurement science.

The company expects significant growth over the next 6 to 12 months and is building a pool of Software Engineers at every level, from early career to Principal Engineer. Pay and responsibilities will match experience, capability and scope of role.

Joining the talent pool does not guarantee an interview or a job, but it lets the company contact you directly when a suitable role opens.

The role suits people who want to build software that controls real hardware rather than websites, mobile apps or business systems.

Good fit: you have built software that interacts with hardware, instruments or machinery, you have worked in engineering settings rather than purely commercial software, you enjoy complex problems spanning software, electronics and mechanical systems, and you want to work on advanced semiconductor technology.

Less likely to suit: your experience is mainly web development, SaaS, fintech or e-commerce platforms, or you have little exposure to hardware-integrated software or engineering products.

Recruitment process: interviews run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm UK time. Stage 1 is a 45-minute remote interview on your experience, technical background and career interests. Stage 2 is an onsite assessment of technical skill, communication, problem solving and ways of working, with time to learn about the technology, culture and plans.

Depending on operational needs, you may be invited to a group assessment when several vacancies are open. The day plan, pay and job description will be shared when you are invited.

If eye contact is hard for you, tell the company. For remote interviews you may switch your camera off after introductions. Onsite dress is casual.

AI is used only to transcribe interviews so interviewers can focus on the conversation. It does not assess candidates, and people make all hiring decisions.

Responsibilities

• Depending on role and level, you may build C/.NET applications used in semiconductor inspection and metrology.
• Develop software that drives precision motion and nanoscale positioning.
• Create user interfaces and HMI applications using WPF and related technologies.
• Connect software to motion controllers, piezo actuators, sensors and data acquisition hardware.
• Support system integration, verification, validation and software releases.
• Help shape software architecture, engineering standards and best practice.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams with software, electronics, optics and mechanical engineers.
• Mentor less experienced engineers in senior roles.

Requirements

• You have either a degree in computer science, engineering, physics or a related discipline, or equivalent commercial experience building complex engineering software systems.
• The company is especially keen to hear from people with one or more of the following: industrial C/.NET development; desktop applications with WPF or similar frameworks; object-oriented languages such as C, Java or C++; software for industrial automation, robotics or machine control; tool control or hardware-integrated software; precision motion control, mechatronics or real-time control; scientific instrumentation, semiconductor equipment or metrology; working alongside electronics, optics, hardware or mechanical teams.
• Advantageous experience includes Python, C++, messaging technologies such as DDS, MQTT, RabbitMQ, ZeroMQ or Named Pipes, and agile delivery in sprint-based environments.
• The company is particularly interested in engineers with experience in industrial automation, motion control, robotics, scientific instrumentation, semiconductor equipment, metrology, manufacturing automation, control systems, high-precision electromechanical systems, or R&D environments.
• Early-career candidates: a strong academic background in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, physics or another scientific discipline is highly valuable.
• More experienced candidates: experience in scientific, engineering or hardware-focused industries is particularly relevant.

Conditions

Junior roles pay £32,000 to £50,000.

Senior roles pay £50,000 to £70,000.

Pay varies. If you are invited to an assessment, you will be told the role and pay range being considered.

Hybrid working, typically 3 days a week onsite. Some positions may need more onsite time because of the nature of the work and business needs.

The company offers hybrid working wherever possible.

The company welcomes people from all backgrounds and will support adjustments at any stage of recruitment.