Sr. Vision Software Engineer

Cohu is a global technology leader providing test, automation, inspection, and metrology solutions in the semiconductor industry. We are seeking a Senior Vision Software Engineer to design, develop, and support advanced machine vision software for high-throughput semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The role emphasizes high-performance C++ development and practical image-processing algorithms for device alignment, identification, inspection, metrology, and defect detection. The engineer collaborates across disciplines to integrate vision software with automated equipment and supports reliable operation in production.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer-sponsored visa sponsorship, now or in the future.
 

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities: 

1. Design, develop, test, and maintain reliable, high-performance machine vision software using C++ for semiconductor manufacturing and automated inspection equipment.

2. Develop, validate, and optimize practical computer vision and image-processing algorithms for object detection, segmentation, feature extraction, alignment, identification, measurement, and defect inspection.

3. Design maintainable software components, interfaces, and architecture using object-oriented principles; independently own complex features and make sound technical design decisions.

4. Integrate machine vision software with automated equipment and imaging systems; apply machine learning techniques when appropriate, rather than as a primary requirement.

5. Participate in requirements analysis, design, implementation, code reviews, integration, testing, release, and performance improvement; collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.

6. Troubleshoot difficult vision and software problems in development and production through analysis of logs, images, and system behavior; perform root-cause analysis and implement durable corrective actions.

7. Support deployment and continuous improvement with manufacturing, field service, customers, and other stakeholders; provide technical guidance and mentoring as appropriate.
 

Supervisory Responsibility: May provide work leadership and training to lower-level professional employees but not required. 

Qualifications: 

• Education/Training: Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science. Master's degree preferred. 
• Experience:  5+ years of professional C++ software development experience, including substantial hands-on development and implementation of machine vision and image-processing algorithms. Experience with industrial automation, inspection equipment, or semiconductor manufacturing applications is preferred. Windows desktop development, C#/.NET, WPF, and integration with industrial imaging hardware are desirable but not required.
• Skills/Technical Requirements (Required):  Strong proficiency in C++ and object-oriented software design; demonstrated ability to implement, optimize, debug, and maintain production software. Practical development of computer vision/image-processing algorithms using OpenCV or equivalent libraries, including techniques such as segmentation, feature extraction, object detection, pattern matching, alignment, or measurement. Experience with software testing, code reviews, Git-based source control, and software development lifecycle. Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Skills/Technical Requirements (Preferred): Windows desktop development, C#/.NET and WPF; industrial automation or semiconductor equipment software; industrial camera integration and image acquisition; 2D/3D imaging and camera calibration; factory diagnostics and production support; familiarity with lenses, optics, illumination, and lasers; TensorFlow or similar machine learning frameworks; UML and mentoring experience.

Job Conditions/Physical Demands: 

Domestic or international travel may be required. Prolonged periods of sitting at a computer terminal. Use of a keyboard.   

Protective Devices Required: As required in designated areas.

Compensation: The estimated base pay range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu's good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this role upon hire. This role may also be eligible for other compensation programs as determined by company policy. 

Featured Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Disability & life insurance
• Profit Sharing