Inspection Application Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k) matching

PTO payout

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. in Sugar Land, TX seeks an Inspection Application Engineer to support new production line setups, automate inspection plans, and monitor yield and equipment health.

The role combines mechanical understanding with software automation to drive ramp-up readiness for mass production. The ideal candidate has a Master’s or PhD in CS/engineering, strong programming skills in C# and Python, and experience with databases, data analysis, and creating automated inspection

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in computer science/engineering or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in C#, Python, or other relevant programming languages for application development, data analysis, and automation.
• Database design and management skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute new production line setup, ensuring equipment readiness for pilot and mass production.
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, and training materials for production processes.
• Develop and optimize inspection recipes to maintain inspection accuracy and meet quality requirements
• Identify and implement automation improvements to reduce cycle time and enhance quality based on process requirements.
• Develop and maintain inspection applications that provide inspection yield analysis, equipment health monitoring, and tool performance tracking.
• Analyze equipment and production data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.

Skills

C#

Python

Data analysis

Automation

Mechanical drawings

Education

Master's or PhD in computer science/engineering

Tools

Database design and management

Job description

AOI is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

We are seeking an Inspection Application Engineer to (a) support new production line setups and equipment qualifications, including automation, and tool move-in; (b) maintain in-line inspection performance and production quality; (c) develop and implement automated inspection plans and recipes, (d) monitor semiconductor process inspection defects and yield, and (e) develop inspection application and algorithm. In this role, you will work on configuring, testing, and validating automated machinery and processes to ensure smooth ramp-up and readiness for mass production. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, detail-oriented, and passionate about combining mechanical design with automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute new production line setup, ensuring equipment readiness for pilot and mass production.
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, and training materials for production processes.
• Develop and optimize inspection recipes to maintain inspection accuracy and meet quality requirements
• Identify and implement automation improvements to reduce cycle time and enhance quality based on process requirements.
• Develop and maintain inspection applications that provide inspection yield analysis, equipment health monitoring, and tool performance tracking.
• Analyze equipment and production data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.
• Architect inspection application system.
• Overtime will be required during ramp-up or line setup activities.
• 5-10% international travel for supplier visits, equipment qualification, or line setup. Other duties as needed or required.

Production

• Maintain and troubleshoot inspection applications and recipes used in production.
• Correlate defect analysis with process conditions to identify root causes and improve production processes.
• Establish and monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC), process yield, and measure tool performance/uptime metrics.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s or PhD degree in computer science/engineer or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in C#, Python, or other relevant programming languages for application development, data analysis, and automation.
• Database design and management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and understand manufacturing processes.

Preferred

• Knowledge about semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience of Six Sigma is a plus
• Experience with machine vision, image processing, or inspection algorithm development

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

Why AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation package available within US
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)