Applications Engineer 3

Onto Innovation; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking an Application Engineer to deliver advanced demos of Ellipsometry and Reflectometry metrology systems from Hillsboro. You will work with engineering, sales, marketing, and customers to optimize demos and ensure clear demonstration outcomes.

In this role you will travel up to 30% internationally, collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines, and contribute to technical solutions, documentation, and training.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, applications engineering, metrology, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, execute, and optimize demos for Onto Innovation Ellipsometry and Reflectometry systems.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and customers to ensure successful demos and outcomes.
• Support technical solution development, documentation, and training.
• Travel internationally up to 30% as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

JMP

SQL

Excel

Job description

Onto Innovation is a leader in process control, combining global scale with an expanded portfolio of leading-edge technologies that include: 3D metrology spanning the chip from nanometer-scale transistors to micron-level die-interconnects; macro defect inspection of wafers and packages; metal interconnect composition; factory analytics; and lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging. Our breadth of offerings across the entire semiconductor value chain helps our customers solve their most difficult yield, device performance, quality, and reliability issues. Onto Innovation strives to optimize customers’ critical path of progress by making them smarter, faster and more efficient.
Job Summary & Responsibilities
Responsible for providing advanced application support to demo activities for the latest generations of Onto Innovation Ellipsometry and Reflectometry metrology systems, including Atlas G6 (small spot and thick film), Aspect G2, IRIS S2, and IRIS G2. The Application Engineer will assist the Engineering, Sales and Marketing teams and support market share gains/defense and new penetrations. Responsibilities include preparation, execution, and optimization of demos. The position requires close collaboration with customers, apps, product marketing, and internal engineering teams to ensure successful outcomes and customer satisfaction.
As An Application Engineer At Onto Innovation

• You will be part of a highly collaborative, competitive, motivated, innovative, diverse, friendly, and hardworking applications team based in Hillsboro.
• You will work closely with our key customers (both regionally and internationally) in the semiconductor wafer fabrication industry.
• You will be at the forefront of technology, creating innovative metrology solutions for complex materials and semiconductor device structures such as Thin Film modeling, Optical Critical Dimension modeling, Machine Learning solutions (e.g., 3DNAND, Logic, DRAM, etc).
• You will have the great opportunity to immerse yourselves in cutting edge metrology products provided by Onto used in manufacturing semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.
• You will also be exposed to other industry-leading products offered by Onto as you grow within the company to continuously expand your skillset.
• You will also be responsible for various critical demos, internal product qualifications/development, technical solution optimization and documentation, technical paper publication when needed, and conduct internal and external training.
• This role may require you to travel internationally up to 30% of your time.
  

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience (including internships or co-ops) in semiconductor manufacturing, applications engineering, process engineering, metrology, inspection, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and defect inspection fundamentals.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working effectively in multinational and multicultural environments with geographically distributed teams and customers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and organizational levels.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor inspection, metrology, AOI, imaging systems, or advanced packaging solutions.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, SQL, or Excel.
• Experience supporting customer demonstrations, evaluations, benchmarking studies, or technical projects.
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing workflows and yield improvement methodologies.
• Experience presenting technical results to customers, management, or engineering teams.
• Experience supporting customers and engineering organizations across Asia and Europe
  

Why Join Onto Innovation?
At Onto Innovation, we believe your work should matter—and so should your well-being. That’s why we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. From health, dental, and vision coverage to life and disability insurance, PTO, and a 401(k) with employer match, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also enjoy access to our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), wellness initiatives, and cutting-edge tools—all within a collaborative, inclusive culture where your contributions are valued and recognized.
Compensation & Growth

• Base Salary Range:
  

$96,800.00 - $145,200.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.

• Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to both company and individual success.
  

Empowering Every Voice To Shape The Future
Onto Innovation is committed to creating a workplace where every qualified candidate has an equal opportunity to succeed. We evaluate applicants based on skills, experience, and potential - without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe diversity of thought and background drives innovation and strengthens our team.
Important Note on Export Compliance
For certain positions requiring access to technical data, U.S. export licensing review may be necessary for applicants who are not U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other protected persons under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).