Senior Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering (Software)

Job description

As a Senior Software Engineer supporting Sputter Engineering, you will work with the Equipment Engineering team to start up, integrate, commission, and sustain Sputter systems. The role focuses on equipment software, PLC-based controls, machine interfaces, and troubleshooting to enable safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with the OEM/Interfactory and cross-functional teams to resolve software and controls issues, validate system functionality, and support successful equipment handover to production. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Support installation, start-up, commissioning, qualification and sustaining of Sputter equipment for the factory expansion and manufacturing. Troubleshoot equipment software, PLC logic, control sequences, alarms, interlocks, and machine interface issues to restore equipment operation. Work with the OEM/Interfactory to review, configure, test, and validate PLC programs and equipment control functions, within approved access and change-control processes. Support integration of PLCs, sensors, actuators, motors, vacuum equipment, and other machine subsystems to ensure correct operation. Diagnose communication and interface issues between PLCs, HMIs, equipment controllers, and factory systems, escalating OEM/Interfactory specific issues as needed. Execute functional testing, I/O checks, interlock verification, alarm validation, and system acceptance tests during installation, start-up and sustaining. Develop and maintain software backups, version records, configuration files, test records, and change documentation in accordance with site procedures. Collaborate with Equipment, Process, Production, Facilities, IT/OT, and Quality teams to resolve equipment issues and meet production requirements. Identify opportunities to improve equipment control, automation, diagnostics, recovery procedures, and system availability. Prepare and maintain software-related documentation, including control descriptions, troubleshooting guides, test procedures, and operating instructions. Coordinate with the machine OEM/Interfactory and relevant suppliers on software defects, PLC issues, upgrades, and technical support. Support equipment performance monitoring and data analysis to identify recurring faults, reduce downtime, and improve system stability. Follow company requirements for machine safety, equipment interlocks, electrical safety, cybersecurity, and software change control. Support knowledge transfer and training for Equipment Engineers and technicians on software functions, fault diagnosis, and recovery procedures. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management. REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related discipline. Experience in software, automation, controls, or equipment engineering; experience supporting industrial equipment start-up or commissioning is an advantage. Working knowledge of PLC-based control systems and the ability to understand control logic, I/O, alarms, and interlocks. Ability to troubleshoot software and equipment interface issues systematically, using logs, diagnostic tools, and structured problem-solving methods. Basic understanding of industrial control architecture, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and equipment communication interfaces. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to prepare clear technical reports and documentation. Ability to work hands-on with OEM/Interfactory and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, including supporting start-up activities as required. PREFERRED: Experience with industrial PLC platforms and programming tools, such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Mitsubishi, or equivalent. Experience with HMI/SCADA, industrial communication protocols, motion control, or automated manufacturing equipment. Experience in semiconductor, vacuum coating, sputter media, or other advanced manufacturing equipment experience is an advantage. SKILLS: PLC troubleshooting and programming fundamentals, including reading ladder logic or other PLC programming languages. Ability to develop and troubleshoot equipment software, control sequences, interlocks, alarms, and communication interfaces. Structured problem-solving skills, including fault isolation, root cause analysis, testing, and verification of corrective actions. Understanding of industrial automation, equipment I/O, sensors, actuators, and machine-control interfaces. Strong collaboration skills when working with OEM/Interfactory engineers, Equipment Engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams. Good communication skills to explain software and controls issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple tasks, document changes carefully, and support time-critical equipment start-up activities. Strong technical documentation, test execution, and reporting skills. #LI-KS2 WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution. WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email . WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.