Software Engineer Ii

Business Overview

Asylum Research designs, develops, and manufactures Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs), high precision imaging systems used in a wide range of applications from life science to semiconductors and everything in between.  We are part of a successful global technology company, Oxford Instruments plc, a leading provider of high technology tools and systems for industry and academic research.

How we work

We’re committed to being the leading provider of high-tech products and services for the world’s most important industrial and scientific research communities. Our people are vital to our success. We strive to offer the opportunities that will attract, motivate and retain the very best talent in our sector. This involves creating an inclusive environment and culture, where difference is valued and people are recognized for what they deliver and bring to the team.

Empowering People to Make a Difference

We don’t wait for change to happen. We enable it. That’s why we aim to create the best working environment and culture for our people to thrive. We share the same goals and value diversity of thought, perspective and experience. With a focus on the ongoing development, engagement and wellbeing of our people, we know we will continue to exceed customer expectations and drive change for the future.

About the Opportunity:

As a key member of our software development department, you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software solutions that integrate applications, systems software, and computer systems engineering principles. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of software components and contribute to the overall success of our organization.  You will design, develop, test, and deploy software applications that integrate applications, systems software, and computers systems engineering principles, as well as develop and implement software solutions that interact with hardware components and operating systems to optimize system performance and reliability.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other engineers to understand project requirements and translate them into technical specifications and software designs
• Perform systems analysis, troubleshooting, and debugging to identify and resolve software and hardware integration issues
• Conduct performance analysis and optimization of software applications, ensuring efficient utilization of system resources
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define and implement software interfaces for optimal system integration
• Collaborate with team members to plan and execute software development projects, ensuring timely delivery and meeting project milestones
• Work within a team to develop robust and reliable software components to agreed specifications and timescales
• Be an active member of the software team, participating in software design reviews, code reviews, and discussions and trials of new tools and techniques
• As necessary, provide ongoing support for new and existing products
• Write software that serves as the interface between UI (User Interfaces) and hardware
• Write unit tests to validate the functionality of written code
• Test implementation on appropriate hardware
• Assist in witing test specifications in collaboration with SQA engineers
• Work with scientists in the R&D and Apps department to define scope and testing of software modules
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including architecture diagrams, user manuals, and technical specifications
• Stay current with relevant technologies, emerging trends, and industry best practices to enhance the development process and propose innovative solutions

About the Right Candidate: 

You are a methodical milti-tasker, with outstanding communication skills and a genuine desire to work collaboratively as part of a highly driven and fast paced team.  You wil have 3+ years of software or firmware development experience, with a proven track record of software development of instrumentation or motion control software in a high-tech product development environment. You will have the ability to deal in a systematic and patient way with factual and technical information and processes, as well as an ability to focus directly on the knowledge base required for the task.  C# and/or C++ development experience and a Physics or Engineering Degree is required. 

Additional Qualifications: 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure DevOps
• Ability to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders
• Ability to work with abstract and highly technical concepts, as well as to explain complex functionality to other Software Engineers
• Ability to handle different tasks simultaneously, as well as concentrate on intricate projects.
• Proficiency in Windows programming and Microsoft development tools
• An analytical mind and ability to troubleshoot and document errors
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills with ability to build strong inter-departmental relationships
• A good understanding of the software development process
• A good understanding of the software testing lifecycle
• Ability to work on loosely defined projects, which includes the ability to scope, design and estimate tasks.
• Enthusiastic, eager and quick to learn and inquisitive
• Strong organizational skills
• Aptitude and curiosity for the function of the software interfaces on scientific instruments
• Maintained knowledge and interest in current software technologies and advancements in the field
• Preference to be logical rather than intuitive in decision-making
• Scientific curiosity

Preferred experience with:

• Igor Pro, Matlab, Python, or similar scripting experience/knowledge
• SPM/AFM
• Experience with source control systems, like Microsoft Azure DevOps/GIT or Microsoft Team Foundation Server (TFS)
• Computer Vision / Machine Learning

Salary: In accordance with California law, the expected annual salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $150,000.  The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Oxford Instruments Perks and benefits:

• Generous benefit packages - We offer our employees competitive health insurance options, including Medical, Dental, and 
  Vision plans. 
• Our 401k program has options for saving both pre- and post-tax dollars for retirement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Work-life balance is a key part of our company culture here at OI, and we know that our employees do their best work when they can take the time they need to rest and recharge. Employees start with 4 weeks of PTO which is accrued each pay period. 
• Holidays - We recognize 12 holidays this year
• In addition to all the standard PTO options, OI proudly offers a generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional Development - OI supports you and your professional development with $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

Oxford Instruments requires all employees to be fully vaccinated by their first day of work. The Company will consider requests for medical or religious accommodation as required by law.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the I-9 Form.

Oxford Instruments provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Oxford Instruments complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Oxford Instruments expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Oxford Instruments’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments does not accept agency CV’s. Please do not forward details to our jobs alias, Oxford Instruments employees or any other company location. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CV’s.

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