Senior Software Engineer, Semiconductor Equipment Systems

Onto Innovation; Budd Lake (NJ); On-site; USD 102,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

PTO

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and develop high-performance software for advanced semiconductor equipment, including metrology, inspection, or process control systems. This role involves building robust, scalable, and real-time software that interfaces with precision hardware, sensors, and control systems.

The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering fundamentals with experience in complex, multidisciplinary systems and a passion for delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., C++, C#, Python).
• Experience developing software for complex systems or hardware-integrated environments.
• Solid understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms.
• Familiarity with multithreading, concurrency, and real-time systems.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance, scalable software systems for semiconductor equipment.
• Implement real-time control, data acquisition, and image processing applications.
• Develop clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following best practices and coding standards.
• Interface software with hardware components including sensors, motion systems, optics, and embedded controllers.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
• Debug and resolve complex issues involving hardware-software interaction.

Skills

C++

C#

Python

Multithreading

RTOS

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in CS/SE/EE

Tools

Git

Qt

WPF

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 an experienced Senior Software Engineer to design and develop high-performance software for advanced semiconductor equipment, including metrology, inspection, or process control systems. This role involves building robust, scalable, and real-time software that interfaces with precision hardware, sensors, and control systems.

The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering fundamentals with experience in complex, multidisciplinary systems and a passion for delivering reliable, high-quality solutions in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Software Design & Development

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance, scalable software systems for semiconductor equipment.
• Implement real-time control, data acquisition, and image processing applications.
• Develop clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following best practices and coding standards.

System Integration

• Interface software with hardware components including sensors, motion systems, optics, and embedded controllers.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
• Debug and resolve complex issues involving hardware-software interaction.

Architecture & Performance Optimization

• Contribute to system architecture decisions and software design frameworks.
• Optimize software for performance, reliability, and low latency in high-throughput environments.
• Ensure software meets stringent accuracy and timing requirements.

Testing & Quality

• Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests.
• Participate in code reviews and enforce software quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve defects, including field issues and customer-reported problems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with product management, systems engineering, and applications teams.
• Support manufacturing, installation, and field service teams with software-related issues.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., C++, C#, Python).
• Experience developing software for complex systems or hardware-integrated environments.
• Solid understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms.
• Familiarity with multithreading, concurrency, and real-time systems.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor equipment, photonics, robotics, or precision instrumentation.
• Knowledge of motion control systems, machine vision, or image processing.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded systems.
• Familiarity with distributed systems and high-throughput data processing.
• Experience with UI frameworks for engineering tools (e.g., Qt, WPF).
• Exposure to cloud-based data infrastructure or Industry 4.0 environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to debug complex, cross-domain issues.
• Attention to detail with a focus on reliability and performance.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Ownership mindset and ability to drive tasks to completion.

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:

$102,400.00 - $153,600.00, 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).