Equipment Automation Program Engineer

Summary

The Equipment Automation Program (EAP) Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining host automation software that enables communication between manufacturing equipment and factory systems. This role supports AOI’s optoelectronics manufacturing operations by integrating equipment using SECS/GEM (SEMI Equipment Communications Standard / Generic Equipment Model) protocols, ensuring reliable data exchange, equipment control, recipe management, and real-time monitoring to improve yield, uptime, and manufacturing efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

Equipment Automation & Software Development

• Design, develop, test, and deploy EAP (Equipment Automation Program) software to support automated manufacturing equipment.

• Develop host applications using C# to interface with production tools.

• Implement scalable and maintainable software architectures to support multiple tool types and vendors.

SECS/GEM & SEMI Standards Implementation

• Configure and maintain SECS/GEM communication in compliance with SEMI standards (e.g., SECS-I, HSMS, GEM).

• Implement equipment messaging, event reporting, alarms, status variables, and remote command execution.

• Support equipment qualification and acceptance testing using SECS/GEM requirements.

System Integration

• Integrate manufacturing tools with:

  • MES (Manufacturing Execution System) for lot tracking and production control

  • RMS (Recipe Management System) for recipe download, validation, and version control

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Process Engineering, Manufacturing, IT, Quality) to ensure seamless system interoperability.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Capture and manage equipment data for:

  • Production performance monitoring

  • Yield analysis

  • Equipment health and downtime tracking

• Utilize SQL databases to store, query, and analyze production and equipment data.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven insights.

Troubleshooting & Production Support

• Diagnose and resolve complex equipment automation, communication, and data integrity issues in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Provide on-call or escalation support during production issues related to automation systems.

• Work directly with equipment vendors to resolve interface or protocol issues.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develop and maintain:

  • Software design documents

  • Interface control documents (ICDs)

  • User manuals and operational procedures

• Ensure systems comply with internal controls, quality standards, and audit requirements.

• Support change management and version control practices.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify automation opportunities to improve throughput, reduce manual intervention, and enhance equipment utilization.

• Propose and implement system enhancements aligned with AOI’s manufacturing roadmap.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience of professional C# software development

• Familiarity with any of the following is a plus:

  • EAP (Equipment Automation Program) systems

  • SECS/GEM protocols and SEMI standards

  • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

  • SQL databases (queries, joins, performance tuning)

• Experience with Python and/or LabVIEW preferred

• Familiarity with equipment integraton in semiconductor or optoelectronics manufacturing environments strongly preferred

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs

• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals

• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year

• Relocation package available within US

• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)