System Software Engineer
Role Summary
The System Software Engineer designs, develops, integrates, tests, and debugs system-level software for the core operating system and software platform used in Automated Test Equipment (ATE). Working within an established architecture, this role delivers high‑quality, production‑ready software components that directly impact platform performance, reliability, and functionality.
You will work across a broad technical spectrum ranging from modern user‑facing GUI development to the core system internals with the added expectation of leveraging AI-assisted development workflows to enhance productivity and code quality.
We are seeking an engineer who can integrate AI‑based solutions, such as Model Context Protocol (MCP), to provide AI‑driven interfaces and integrations for our products.
Responsibilities
Software Development & Integration
- Implement and optimize system and platform software according to defined architecture and requirements on a Linux-based system.
- Integrate modules into the ATE operating system and support system validation.
- Support modern UI development using tools such as Node.js, Vue.js, TypeScript, and Qt 5.
- Document implementation details and interfaces to support maintainability and long‑term reliability.
AI‑Augmented Development
Leverage AI-powered development tools (e.g., Cursor, GitHub Copilot) to accelerate coding, refactoring, documentation, and debugging workflows.
Identify opportunities to apply AI‑based solutions to internal software‑development workflows and to customer‑facing products.
Debugging & Testing
- Diagnose and resolve software defects using code‑level debugging, profiling, and analysis tools.
- Develop and maintain automated unit, integration, and system‑level tests.
- Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering best practices.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 3–7 years professional experience developing system‑level or platform software.
- Strong modern C++ skills including advanced template usage, C++20 features, memory‑safe programming practices, and familiarity with the Boost libraries.
Linux development experience (AlmaLinux / RedHat preferred).
- Hands‑on experience using Podman (preferred) or Docker.
- Familiarity with Git, GitHub, CMake, Conan, CI pipelines, and Agile processes.
- Experience using AI coding assistants (Cursor, Copilot, etc.) to enhance development velocity and code quality.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to semiconductor equipment or hardware‑adjacent systems.
- Experience supporting customer‑facing software.
- Experience with the Rust language.
Top Skills
What We Do
Cohu is a leading supplier of semiconductor test and inspection & metrology handlers, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) test modules, test contactors, thermal sub-systems and semiconductor automated test equipment used by global semiconductor and electronics manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors. Our product portfolio is focused on increasing yield, reducing cost of test, and accelerating time-to-market. Cohu is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: COHU) global company with headquarters in Poway, CA. We have a global footprint with ~3,000 employees. We are the leading supplier of Semiconductor Test and Inspection & Metrology Handlers and Test Contactors. We have market leadership in RF Power Amplifier/Front-End Module Testing.
