Software Service Engineer - South Korea

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 South 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 development and troubleshooting expertise with system-level engineering. A significant part of the role involves supporting, troubleshooting, and improving software applications and tools developed in C# and Python.

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 teams.

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
• Ensure system readiness for high-volume production environments
• Support integration with factory systems (SECS/GEM, MES where applicable)

Software & System Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot, analyze, and support software applications developed in C# and Python
• Develop and maintain scripts and utilities for diagnostics, automation, log analysis, and data processing.
• Support software deployments, updates, and testing activities in customer environments.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across Windows- and Linux-based environments.
• Analyze system performance, including throughput, latency, CPU utilization, and memory usage.
• Troubleshoot across software and hardware interfaces, including controllers, sensors, stages, and communication layers.
• Work with logs, telemetry, and monitoring tools to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

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

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Must-have:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• 3-8 years of experience in software engineering, system engineering, technical support, or field service.

• Strong experience with Python programming and scripting.

• Working knowledge of C# and .NET.

• Experience troubleshooting software applications.

• Good knowledge of Windows operating systems.

• Basic understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP.

• Ability to communicate technical issues clearly and work independently.

• 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

• Willingness to travel to our HQ in Rotterdam for training (9–12 weeks in total, divided into 3-week trips)

• 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