Principal Systems Engineer

Onto-Innovation; Mount Olive (NJ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) with employer match

Stock Purchase Program

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Onto Innovation seeks a Principal Systems Engineer in New Jersey to lead architecture, integration, and validation of high-precision semiconductor metrology systems. You will translate product requirements into system-level specs and drive cross-functional design decisions across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and controls.

Responsibilities include defining interfaces, leading system integration, validating performance, and managing trade studies with product, manufacturing, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in complex system design and integration.
• Proven experience in systems engineering within semiconductor equipment or precision instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary systems (mechanics, optics, electronics, controls, software).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define and own system architecture for complex, high-precision equipment.
• Translate product requirements into detailed system specifications and subsystem requirements.
• Lead trade studies, system partitioning, and design decisions across engineering disciplines.
• Define system interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, software) and ensure traceability.
• Lead system integration efforts and develop validation strategies and criteria.
• Establish system error budgets and performance models for reliability and maintainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, and field service.

Skills

Systems engineering

Cross-functional leadership

Multidisciplinary

Problem solving

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

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 & ResponsibilitiesWe are seeking a highly experienced Principal Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and validation of complex systems for advanced semiconductor Films and OCD metrology equipment. This role requires deep technical leadership across multidisciplinary domains, including optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and controls.The Principal Systems Engineer will define system-level requirements, ensure cross-functional alignment, and drive technical execution from concept through production. This individual serves as the technical authority and plays a critical role in solving complex system-level challenges impacting performance, reliability, and scalability.Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Architecture & Technical LeadershipDefine and own system architecture for complex, high-precision equipment.Translate product requirements into detailed system specifications and subsystem requirements.Lead trade studies, system partitioning, and design decisions across multiple engineering disciplines.Serve as the technical lead and decision-maker for system-level design reviews.Requirements & Interface ManagementDevelop, manage, and maintain system requirements, including traceability and validation.Define and control system interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, software).Ensure alignment between subsystem designs and overall system performance requirements.Integration & ValidationLead system integration efforts, identifying and resolving cross-domain issues.Develop system-level test plans, validation strategies, and acceptance criteria.Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system performance issues.Performance & Reliability EngineeringEstablish system error budgets, performance models, and sensitivity analyses.Ensure system stability under environmental conditions (thermal, vibration, contamination).Lead design for reliability, maintainability, and manufacturability at the system level.Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams.Interface with product management, manufacturing, quality, and field service teams.Mentor junior engineers and influence technical direction across the organization.Program ExecutionSupport project planning, risk assessment, and milestone delivery.Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies.Support customer engagements and translate application needs into system capabilities.QualificationsMaster’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Physics, or related field).10+ years of experience in complex system design and integration.Proven experience in systems engineering within semiconductor equipment, photonics, aerospace, or precision instrumentation industries.Strong understanding of multidisciplinary systems (mechanics, optics, electronics, controls, and software).Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.Preferred QualificationsExperience with semiconductor metrology, inspection, or lithography systems.Knowledge of precision motion systems, optics, vacuum systems, or laser-based instrumentation.Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).Experience defining system error budgets and performance modeling.Exposure to cleanroom environments and high-reliability systems.Key CompetenciesStrategic thinking with strong system-level perspective.Exceptional problem-solving and debugging skills in complex systems.Strong leadership and technical mentorship capabilities.Effective communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders.Ability to manage ambiguity and drive decisions in complex environments.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:$130,000.00 - $195,000.00, 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 ComplianceFor 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).