Applied Materials, a global leader in materials engineering, is seeking a Software Engineer – Platform & Middleware to join its team in Toronto, Canada. This role focuses on enabling the next generation of semiconductor and display technologies, particularly those driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The position demands a senior technical authority capable of owning the architecture and long-term evolution of platform- and runtime-level software systems.
The demand for skilled software engineers in the semiconductor industry is growing as companies like Applied Materials push the boundaries of materials science. This specific role is critical for enabling portable native execution across both Linux and Android-derived environments, a key component in developing cutting-edge equipment used to manufacture chips. The company states that its technologies are foundational to the global electronics industry, impacting devices used daily.
Applied Materials designs, builds, and services equipment used in the production of semiconductors and advanced displays. The company emphasizes a supportive work culture focused on employee growth and wellbeing, offering comprehensive benefits packages. The Software Engineer position will involve deep engagement with technologies like machine learning and AI, crafting software solutions to address complex customer challenges.
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field, along with typically 10–15 years of relevant software engineering experience. The role requires demonstrated technical leadership and ownership of complex, cross-functional software initiatives.
Key Responsibilities and Technical Expertise
The Software Engineer will be responsible for designing and developing large-scale, complex software solutions at the platform and runtime level. A core function of the role involves enabling Android NDK-based native components to operate within Linux environments, defining supported runtime behaviors, APIs, and architectural boundaries. This includes designing constrained compatibility layers and middleware – such as JNI-like shims and host-side service abstractions – to reimplement runtime functionality without full platform reimplementation.
A significant aspect of the position is the development of forward-looking API surfaces, including new middleware and APIs to support novel platform features. The engineer will also be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving issues spanning application, runtime, ABI, and Linux system layers, developing appropriate diagnostics and validation strategies. Effective communication of technical scope, roadmap, risks, and trade-offs to both internal stakeholders and external customers is crucial.
Core technical expertise includes a deep understanding of Android execution architecture, encompassing the Android NDK and ABI concepts, ART runtime responsibilities (threading, memory management), and JNI semantics and lifecycle constraints. Strong experience with Linux systems programming in C/C++ is also essential, including threading, synchronization, dynamic linking, shared libraries, ELF binaries, and ABI compatibility. Proven experience in designing platform middleware and compatibility layers is a must.
Waterloo Location and Optional Qualifications
Even as the position is listed for Toronto, the preferred location is Waterloo, Ontario. Applied Materials is seeking an engineer capable of designing and evolving well-defined, stable API surfaces, and developing new middleware and platform capabilities beyond those provided by existing platforms like Android. The ability to clearly define and communicate architectural boundaries, supported behaviors, and limitations is paramount.
Optional, but preferred, qualifications include experience with Android internals, AOSP (Android Open Source Project), or system-level Android components. Familiarity with Inter-Process Communication (IPC) mechanisms, such as Binder concepts or Linux alternatives, is also beneficial. Experience porting or architecting software across heterogeneous runtime environments, and a background in developer tooling, diagnostics, or debuggability for complex native or runtime level systems are considered advantages. Experience prototyping Android applications and familiarity with Android UI frameworks would also be valuable.
The role requires approximately 10% travel and is eligible for relocation assistance. Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
What to Expect Next
Applied Materials continues to invest in its software engineering capabilities to support the rapidly evolving demands of the semiconductor industry. The company’s focus on AI and IoT technologies suggests a continued necessitate for engineers skilled in platform-level software development and cross-platform compatibility. Candidates interested in this position are encouraged to explore the Applied Materials Careers website for more information and to submit their applications.
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