Vialign Lead Software Architect

We are looking for a hands-on Software Leader to own the software architecture and roadmap behind Vialign’s sensing platform, and to set up how the company builds, ships, supports, and secures software at scale.

You will play a critical role in bridging advanced photonic sensing hardware with semiconductor-grade real-time software systems. This position combines real-time systems, industrial machine learning, high-precision software architecture, and leadership.

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious deep-tech startup environment where you can directly influence product architecture, customer success, and company growth.

Join us in building a category-defining sensing technology for the next generation of semiconductor systems., As Lead Software Architect you will:

• Architect the 6-DOF transformation engine that converts multi-channel photonic displacement data into real-time positional coordinates.
• Build the data-acquisition (DAQ) layer interfacing with the photonic front-end and with customer motion controllers via sensor-level protocols (BiSS-C, AquadB) and field-level buses (EtherCAT).
• Develop the signal-processing and machine-learning layer that maximizes the sensor system’s delivered performance in the field.
• Ensure seamless integration into the semiconductor ecosystem - SECS/GEM for fab-host communication, plus the cleanroom-grade stability and uptime fabs expect.
• Set up Vialign’s software function: version control, CI/CD, release engineering, code review, and a testing strategy fit for a fab tool.
• Define how the company supports software in the field - remote-update mechanism, telemetry, diagnostics, and customer support workflow.
• Own the cyber-security posture of the product: secure-by-design architecture, alignment with SEMI E187 and IEC 62443 expectations, and vulnerability response.
• Lead the software roadmap from prototype to fab-ready product, and grow the software team as the company scales.

Do you have experience in Signal processing?, You have a background in Real-Time Systems, Industrial Machine Learning, High-Precision Software Architecture, and Software Function Leadership.

5+ years in semiconductor equipment software (ASML ecosystem, bonding, lithography, or metrology) or a comparable high-precision domain (high-end robotics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing). TRL 3-8 scaling experience and prior ownership of a software function are a major plus.

You are proficient in:

• System theory: strong grasp of kinematics, spatial transformations, and real-time control loops.
• Software stack: expert in C++ for real-time and embedded performance; Python for ML and tooling. Comfort with signal-level / FPGA interfacing is a plus.
• Industry standards: working knowledge of semiconductor equipment software - SECS/GEM for fab integration, sensor protocols (BiSS-C, AquadB), cleanroom-grade stability, and cyber-security expectations (SEMI E187 / IEC 62443).
• Algorithmic math: hands-on with Kalman filters, neural networks, coordinate transformations, sensor fusion, noise reduction and calibration models.
• Hardware-software integration: DAQ, sensor interfaces, motion controllers, timing, synchronization, debugging with hardware.
• Ability to set up professional software process: Git, CI/CD, testing, release control, code review, documentation and customer support.
• Entrepreneurial drive: willingness to wear many hats and shape the company alongside the founding team.
• English, both written and spoken.

Vialign is an Eindhoven-based deep-tech startup building next-generation displacement sensors for semiconductor manufacturing. Using photonic chip-based interferometry, the company delivers sensing that is precise, compact, and robust, targeting wafer-stage positioning and advanced packaging. We are on a bold mission to push the boundaries of technology through cross-industry innovation, backed by HighTechXL and PhotonFirst.