Senior Systems Engineer

Onto Innovation; Hillsboro (AL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

PTO and 401(k) with employer match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Job summary

Onto Innovation is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to develop and optimize optical metrology technologies, interfacing with software, hardware, and applications scientists. You will design experiments, generate specifications, and guide implementations while traveling up to 20% for on-site tool support.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, hands-on lab work with prototype systems, and contributing to performance improvements across fab metrology tools.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics.
• 2-3 years of experience in complex optical systems, analysis, and applications development including use of broadband light sources for spectroscopy and ellipsometry.
• Experience in application and integration of precision optical and optomechanical components.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Python, Matlab, etc.
• Excellent analytical capability for systematic troubleshooting.
• Prior experience with semiconductor capital equipment including working knowledge of optical processing, metrology and/or inspection products.
• Experience working on prototype systems in a hands-on laboratory setting.
• New product development and support in the semiconductor space.
• Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Alignment, optimization, and validation of complex optical systems
• Development of best operational methods for tool performance optimization
• Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems
• Develop plans of action, and execute in a timely manner
• Generate both internal and external technical presentations
• Clearly communicate requirements and specifications to cross functional teams

Skills

Optical engineering

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics

Tools

Python

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

The core responsibilities of the Senior Systems Engineer are to develop new optical metrology technologies, to optimize the performance of existing metrology products, and to communicate those optimization results and methods to the field. The successful candidate will interface with cross functional engineering teams, e.g. software, hardware, and applications scientists, to generate specifications and performance requirements that guide systems development. They will also design and perform experiments that validate those requires have been met and provide guidance on implementation improvements where needed. Additional responsibilities include support for on site installation of first in fab metrology tools, initial tool matching efforts of those systems, and the generation of procedures and training documents to educate local engineering teams. This will require international travel of <20%.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Alignment, optimization, and validation of complex optical systems
• Development of best operational methods for tool performance optimization
• Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems
• Develop plans of action, and execute in a timely manner
• Generate both internal and external technical presentations
• Clearly communicate requirements and specifications to cross functional teams

Qualifications

Candidate for this position must have met minimum requirements to successfully meet expectations for the position:

• Ph.D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics
• 2-3 years of experience in complex optical systems, analysis, and applications development including use of broadband light sources for spectroscopy and ellipsometry
• Experience in application and integration of precision optical and optomechanical components
• Proficiency in data analysis using various programming/scripting tools (Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Excellent analytical capability for systematic troubleshooting
• Prior experience with semiconductor capital equipment including working knowledge of optical processing, metrology and/or inspection products
• Experience working on prototype systems in a hands-on laboratory setting
• New product development and support in the semiconductor space
• Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

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:

$115,200.00 - $172,800.00, 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).