Senior Applications Scientist

Onto Innovation; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision

Life and disability insurance

PTO

401(k) with employer match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Wellness initiatives

Cutting-edge tools

Job summary

Onto Innovation in Milpitas, CA, is seeking a seasoned semiconductor metrology expert to lead the characterization of IRIS(TF) hardware and software features at the forefront of process control. You will develop measurement methodologies, throughput models and BKMs, support customer demonstrations, pilot evaluations and production qualifications, and investigate escalations related to tool performance.

Travel to customer sites will be required; you will collaborate with global teams, apply

Qualifications

• Over 5 years in semiconductor metrology preferred.
• Ph.D. or MS in relevant engineering/science fields.
• Strong knowledge of process control and thin-film stress.

Responsibilities

• Lead characterization of new IRIS(TF) hardware and software features
• Develop measurement methodologies, throughput models and BKMs
• Support customer demonstrations, pilot evaluations and production qualifications.
• Investigate and resolve customer escalations related to tool performance and applications
• Interface with technical support, HQ engineering on procedures and equipment enhancement
• Analyze characterization data and provide recommendations for product improvements.
• Support installation, startup, and deployment activities at customer sites.
• Travel as required to support customer activities and product deployments.

Skills

Semiconductor metrology

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Statistics & DOE

Basic programming

Education

Ph.D. or MS in Engineering Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Sciences, Optics, Physics

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

• Lead characterization of new IRIS(TF) hardware and software features
• Develop measurement methodologies, throughput models and Best Known Methods (BKMs)
• Support customer demonstrations, pilot evaluations and production qualifications.
• Investigate and resolve customer escalations related to tool performance and applications
• Interface with technical support, head quarter engineering on procedures and equipment enhancement
• Analyze characterization data and provide recommendations for product improvements.
• Support installation, startup, and deployment activities at customer sites.
• Travel as required to support customer activities and product deployments.

Qualifications

• More than 5 years working experience in semiconductor metrology area is preferred
• Ph.D. or M.S. in Engineering Sciences, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Sciences, Optics, Physics
• Strong undertanding of semiconductor process control, thin film stress measurement, warped wafer handling
• Ability to systemically and independently identify/troubleshoot problems
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision
• Knowledge of statistics, and design of experiments
• Knowledge of basic programming skills
• Experience with semiconductor fabrication and process integration 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:

$128,000.00 - $192,000.00, 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).