Principal Optical Systems Engineer, Semiconductor Metrology

Axcelis Technologies; Beverly (MA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team Incentive Bonus

Comprehensive Benefits

Job summary

Axcelis Technologies is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical and opto‑mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology applications.

The role requires translating physical concepts into manufacturable systems and working across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and systems engineering to move from concept to prototype validation and production deployment.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing complex optical systems.
• Strong grounding in geometrical optics, physical optics, imaging, lasers, and metrology.
• Proven ability to move concepts to prototype and validation.
• Proficient in MATLAB or Python for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and development of optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing and metrology.
• Develop novel optical approaches for process monitoring, wafer alignment, implant verification, materials characterization.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and performance analysis using engineering tools.
• Design and specify optical subsystems: lasers, polarization optics, imaging, spectroscopy, sensors, and calibration methodologies.
• Build and evaluate proof-of-concept systems and engineering prototypes.
• Develop experimental plans, execute measurements, analyze data, and draw conclusions.
• Convert laboratory concepts into manufacturable systems for production environments.
• Define system requirements and performance budgets.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and process engineers to implement complete solutions.
• Support vendor selection and development of custom components.
• Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and system-level issues during development and deployment.
• Generate technical documentation, design reviews, specifications, test procedures, and reports.
• Evaluate IP, risks, and competitive technologies related to optical systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across the organization.

Skills

Optical systems

Data analysis

MATLAB/Python

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Technical leadership

Education

M.S./Ph.D. in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

COMSOL

Job description

Axcelis Technologies is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical and opto‑mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology applications.

The role requires translating physical concepts into manufacturable systems and working across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and systems engineering to move from concept to prototype validation and production deployment.