Software Service Engineer - South Korea

Job description

About Nearfield Instruments

Nearfield Instruments (NFI) is a fast-growing, innovative deep-tech scale-up transforming semiconductor metrology. Our technology enables leading chipmakers to improve yield and device performance—powering the next generation of electronics.

Founded in 2016, we combine cutting-edge science and engineering to deliver a unique high-throughput AFM-based (Atomic Force Microscopy) metrology platform, driving innovation beyond traditional inspection technologies.

We are currently located in Pyeongtaek, and in the coming year we plan to expand with two additional offices, including a new location in Dongtan.

The Role

Due to rapid customer growth and system installations in Korea, we are expanding our field engineering team.

As a Software Service Engineer, you will operate at the forefront of advanced semiconductor manufacturing, supporting leading semiconductor manufacturers in Korea’s most advanced production environments.

This is a high-impact, hands-on role where you will work with next-generation metrology systems, combining software expertise with system-level engineering.

You will be part of a lean, fast-growing field team, with significant ownership and direct exposure to customers, while collaborating closely with global R\&D.

Key Responsibilities

System Installation \& Qualification

Lead software installation, system setup, and configuration at customer sites

Perform system bring-up and validation, including license activation

Execute installation, operational, and performance qualification procedures (IOQ / PQ)

Ensure system readiness for high-volume production environments

Support integration with factory systems (SECS/GEM, MES where applicable)

Software \& System Troubleshooting

Diagnose and resolve issues across Windows/Linux-based environments

Analyze system performance (throughput, latency, CPU, memory usage)

Troubleshoot across software and hardware interfaces (controllers, sensors, stages)

Work with logs, telemetry, and monitoring tools to identify root causes

Customer Support \& Field Engineering

Provide on-site technical support in cleanroom semiconductor fabs

Ensure high system uptime and operational stability

Act as a trusted technical partner to customer engineering teams

Own and drive resolution of complex technical issues and escalations

Feedback Loop to Engineering

Translate field issues into structured feedback for global R\&D teams

Contribute directly to product and feature improvements

Act as the “voice of the field,” influencing system performance and usability

What Makes This Role Unique

Work with next-generation AFM-based metrology technology, beyond traditional solutions

Direct exposure to cutting-edge semiconductor nodes and production environments

High ownership in a lean, rapidly scaling field team

Opportunity to influence product development and technical direction

A true end-to-end engineering role—from installation to optimization

Be part of an international scale-up combining innovation, speed, and real impact

Who You Are

A hands-on engineer who thrives in fast-paced, high-tech environments

Motivated by ownership rather than structure

Comfortable solving complex problems in dynamic and sometimes ambiguous situations

Strong communicator who can bridge customer needs and engineering solutions

Driven to make an impact in a growing, innovative organization

Job requirements

Required Experience \& Qualifications

Must-have:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

3–8 years of experience in field service, system engineering, or software engineering

Strong Python scripting skills (automation, log analysis, debugging)

Solid knowledge of Windows systems (Linux is a plus)

Understanding of TCP/IP networking and system integration

Nice-to-have:

Experience with semiconductor equipment or high-precision systems

Familiarity with SECS/GEM or factory automation

Experience with Git or version control tools

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work on-site in Pyeongtaek / Dongtan

Ability to work in cleanroom environments (ESD, gowning)

Willingness to travel domestically as required

Ability to read technical documentation and follow safety procedures

Languages

Fluent in Korean

Good working proficiency in English

Working Environment

On-site presence at customer fabs in South Korea

Close collaboration with global teams across Europe, Asia, and the US

Fast-paced, scale-up environment with high visibility and impact

What We Offer

A high-impact role in a fast-growing deep-tech company

Work on breakthrough semiconductor metrology technology

High degree of ownership, responsibility, and autonomy

Strong international exposure and career growth opportunities

A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven culture

A competitive compensation package

On-site, Remote Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, South Korea NFI South Korea

or