Principal Systems Engineer

Onto Innovation; Upton (KY); On-site; USD 144,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

PTO

401(k) match

ESPP

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead advanced automated optical inspection and metrology systems across the full product lifecycle. The role requires hands-on technical leadership across hardware, software, and manufacturing disciplines to deliver high-precision semiconductor solutions.

The candidate will mentor engineers, drive concept development, and communicate technical maturity to stakeholders while traveling internationally as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD (preferred) or advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience developing high-precision optical or semiconductor capital equipment.
• Experience with optical inspection, metrology, spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and reflectometry is a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical signal processing and advanced control systems is a plus.
• Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, and ZEMAX is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership through a full product development lifecycle, from early stage research to implementation.
• Own and execute core system engineering activities, including requirement definition and total system solution under constraints.
• Drive early-stage concept development, rapid prototyping, and test iterations with cross-functional teams.
• Lead technical planning for activities, including roadmap development, system integration, verification and validation, transfer to manufacturing and service readiness.
• Define system architecture and identify/mitigate technical risks with engineers and experts.
• Communicate development maturity and TRL status to stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop engineering team members, fostering system-level thinking.

Skills

Systems engineering

Optical engineering

Semiconductor metrology

Innovation

Root-cause analysis

Education

PhD or advanced degree

Tools

ZEMAX

LabVIEW

MATLAB

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

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in the advancement of the existing platforms and the introduction of new complex automated optical inspection and metrology systems for the semiconductor industry. This role spans the full product lifecycle, from early-stage research and concept development through productization, transfer to manufacturing, and field support.

This is a hands-on cross-functional leadership role that interfaces closely with hardware, software, system test/verification/validation, manufacturing and service teams. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in several of the following areas: systems engineering, optical or imaging instrument development, semiconductor inspection and metrology, and innovation and creative problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership through a full product development lifecycle, from early stage research to implementation.
• Own and execute core system engineering activities, including requirement definition and total system solution under technical, project, and business constraints.
• Drive early-stage concept development, rapid prototyping, and test iterations in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Lead technical planning for cross-functionally critical activities, including roadmap development, system integration, verification and validation, transfer to manufacturing and service readiness.
• Define system architecture and identify/mitigate technical risks; collaborate with engineers and subject-matter experts to ensure deep understanding of underlying technologies and design decisions.
• Evaluate, track, and clearly communicate development maturity and technical readiness level to stakeholders.
• Mentor and technically develop members of the engineering team, fostering system-level thinking.

Differentiating Factors

• Autonomy and Initiative: Works independently to implement strategic goals and establish operational plans. Demonstrates strong ownership, initiative, and accountability.
• Innovation and Complexity: Resolves issues that span wide range of difficulties across different functions. Develops innovative solutions to unique technical challenges and continuously improves existing systems, processes, and methodologies.
• Communication and Influence: Effective team player who can influence across engineering, operations, field service, and executive leadership. Comfortable engaging both internal and external stakeholders on critical technical matters.

Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

Qualifications

• PhD (preferred) or advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience developing high-precision optical or semiconductor capital equipment, or related complex technical systems.
• Proven ability to ideate, prototype, and bring complex products to market.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including structured root cause analysis and solution development.
• Experience with optical inspection, metrology, spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and reflectometry is a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical signal processing and advanced control systems is a plus
• Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, and ZEMAX is a plus.

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

• 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).