Principal Systems Engineer – Semiconductor Metrology & Systems Architecture

Onto Innovation; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Health, dental, and vision insurance

PTO

Job summary

Onto Innovation in Milpitas, CA seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead architecture, integration, and validation of advanced semiconductor metrology equipment. This role requires deep technical leadership across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and controls.

You will define system-level requirements, drive cross-functional execution from concept to production, and act as the technical authority for performance, reliability, and scalability challenges.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Physics, or related field).
• 10+ years of experience in complex system design and integration.
• Proven experience leading technical teams in semiconductor equipment, photonics, aerospace, or precision instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Define system architecture for complex, high‑precision equipment.
• Translate product requirements into detailed system specifications.
• Lead trade studies and design decisions across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Mentor junior engineers and influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Support project planning, risk assessment, and milestone delivery.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Ambiguity management

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Physics, or related field)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Onto Innovation in Milpitas, CA seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead architecture, integration, and validation of advanced semiconductor metrology equipment. This role requires deep technical leadership across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and controls.

You will define system-level requirements, drive cross-functional execution from concept to production, and act as the technical authority for performance, reliability, and scalability challenges.