Principal Mechanical Engineer

Onto Innovation; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Annual bonus opportunities

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

Onto Innovation, located in Milpitas, California, is searching for a leader in engineering to manage a multidisciplinary team and drive technical advancements in hardware subsystems. This role involves collaborating across functions to enhance product quality and engineering efficiency while owning R&D programs from concept to production.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, with over 7 years of experience and a proven track record in leadership. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience with at least 3+ years in leadership.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and global stakeholders.
• Expertise in advanced sensors, optics, precision motion stages, and lasers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of hardware engineers.
• Define the technical direction for hardware subsystems.
• Manage hardware R&D programs from concept to production.
• Collaborate with various teams to solve complex challenges.
• Implement best practices to enhance product quality.
• Lead root-cause analysis for hardware failures.

Skills

Team Leadership

Technical Proficiency in Advanced Sensors

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

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

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of hardware engineers, fostering a culture of technical growth, innovation, and accountability.
• Technical Vision: Define the technical direction and roadmap for critical hardware subsystems, such as image sensors, high‑power lasers, precision motion stages.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Own hardware R&D programs from concept through prototype testing to final production release.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Systems, Software, Optics, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and solve complex system‑level challenges.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement best practices for hardware design, testing, and manufacturing to enhance product quality and engineering efficiency.
• Problem Solving: Lead root‑cause analysis for complex hardware failures and support customer escalations with technical expertise.

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering.
• Experience: Typically requires 7+ years of engineering experience with at least 3+ years in a leadership or people‑management capacity.
• Technical Proficiency: Subject matter expertise in areas relevant to Onto's core business, such as advanced sensors, optics, precision motion stages, lasers.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, drive execution against milestones, and manage global stakeholders.

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: $144,000.00 – $216,000.00, 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).